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Does sexual violence contribute to elevated rates of anxiety and depression in females? Fergusson, D.M. (David Murray); Swain-Campbell, N. R.; Horwood, Leonard John

By: Contributor(s): Material type: ArticleArticlePublication details: 2002ISSN:
  • 0033-2917
Subject(s): Online resources: In: Psychological Medicine 32(6) August 2002 : 991-996Summary: This article examines whether exposure to sexual abuse or sexual assault contributes to internalising disorders in females. Data was obtained from a sample of 635 males and 630 females who were involved in the longitudinal Christchurch Health and Development Study. The data measured major depression, anxiety, childhood sexual abuse and adolescent sexual assault at the participants' assessments at age 18 and 21 years. The results indicate that females were twice as likely as males to experience internalising disorders, and were exposed to higher levels of sexual assault and abuse than males. Furthermore, the findings reveal a statistically significant relationship between gender and both anxiety and depression.
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This article examines whether exposure to sexual abuse or sexual assault contributes to internalising disorders in females. Data was obtained from a sample of 635 males and 630 females who were involved in the longitudinal Christchurch Health and Development Study. The data measured major depression, anxiety, childhood sexual abuse and adolescent sexual assault at the participants' assessments at age 18 and 21 years. The results indicate that females were twice as likely as males to experience internalising disorders, and were exposed to higher levels of sexual assault and abuse than males. Furthermore, the findings reveal a statistically significant relationship between gender and both anxiety and depression.

Psychological Medicine 32(6) August 2002 : 991-996