Behavior Problems in Sexually Abused Young Children

A sample of 85 children, ages 3 to 12, and sexually abused within the previous 24 months, were evaluated with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL, Achen-bach & Edelbrock, 1983). Data relating to the nature of the abuse were also collected. This sample was clearly more deviant behaviorally as measured by the CBCL. Internalizing behavior was related to the frequency of abuse, the sex of the child, the relationship of the perpetrator to the child, and the severity of abuse. Externalizing behavior was related to the duration, perpetrator's relationship, time elapsed, and sex of the child. Sexual behavior in this sample was related to frequency of abuse and number of perpetrators.