The Impact of Child Sexual Abuse: Long-Term Effects
Some research has found that around one-third of children may not show any negative effects of CSA straight away (Kendall-Tackett et al., 1993; Mannarino & Cohen, 1986). This does not necessarily mean, however, that these children are not affected by the abuse, or that they do not experience problems later on. Several interpretations of these “symptom-free” victims have been proposed. For example, Kuyken (1995) suggests that the measures used to detect symptoms in these cases were perhaps not sensitive enough, whereas other authors have posited that these victims may be in a state of shock or denial. The shock/denial hypothesis gave rise to the investigation of “sleeper effects,” which has led to findings of serious emotional, behavioural and social problems for... »
