Child Sexual Abuse and Psychopathology in Children and Adolescent Victims in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research sought to examine the incidence of child sexual abuse and the relationship between child sexual abuse and psychopathology (posttraumatic stress disorder and low self-esteem) in the Lagos metropolis. The survey method of gathering data was used using a correlational design. With a sample size of 214, a convenience sampling approach was used to gather data. Three major instruments were modified and adapted used for this study. These were the Child Sexual Abuse Questionnaire (CSAQ),The UCLA Post Traumatic Stress Disorder- Reaction Index UCLA PTSD – RI, and Index of Self Esteem scale (ISE).The instruments were administered to the participants simultaneously. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that 41.8% (n=77) indicated having experienced child sexual abuse (CSA) while 58.2% (n=107) did not experience CSA. The majority (65%) of victims were girls. The 8-13years old age group (71.2%) was found to be most frequently sexually abused. This age group (8-13), falls within the pubertal period of development. The study found that while child sexual abuse increased among the 1-13 years age group, there was a decline among older adolescents (14-17 years). The relationship between CSA and low self-esteem was found to be significant. The study also found that the relationship between CSA and manifestations of symptoms of PTSD was also significant. In conclusion, the relationship between child sexual abuse and manifestations of symptoms of psychopathology was established among children and adolescent victims. Areas of further research and implications of these findings in terms of policies and programmes are suggested within the context of educating and protecting children and adolescents against child sexual abuse