Sexual Abuse as a Risk Factor for Developing Psychological Disorders

Abstract

This article aims to review the scientific evidence showing that sexual abuse of children constitutes a major risk factor for a number of negative outcomes. It also reveals a strong association with multiple psychological disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood, eating, sleep and sexual disorders, avoidance, and insecure attachment, all of which may intersect to increase the risk of negative outcomes.