Association Between Self-Reported Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adverse Psychosocial Outcomes: Results From a Twin Study

Increased risk of serious adverse outcomes has been associated with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Whether these risks are directly attributable to CSA rather than family background remains controversial. A history of CSA, reported by 16.7% of the women & 5.4% of the men, was more common among those reporting parental alcohol-related problems. Controlling for family background, significantly increased risk was observed in women reporting a history of CSA for subsequently occurring major depression, suicide attempt, conduct disorder, alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence, social anxiety, rape after the age of 18 years, & divorce. Family background risk factors were also associated with adverse outcome risk.(36 refs)