TITLE: Media
Impact on Biased Perceptual Processing of Threat-Relevant Imagery Among Patients Who Recovered Memory of Childhood Sexual
Abuse Prior to the Onset of Treatment.
AUTHOR: Leavitt,
F.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1999
JOURNAL TITLE: Journal
of Child Sexual Abuse
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Rush
Medical Coll., Chicago, IL. Dept. of Psychology.
SOURCE: 8(4):
pp. 91-102; Haworth Press, Inc.,
Binghamton, NY., 1999; p. 570
ABSTRACT: Several
recent studies have indicated that patients who report a history of sexual
abuse on the basis of recovered or delayed recall of memory process Rorschach
stimuli in ways that substantially deviate from non-abused patients. They +;
exhibited sensitivity to threat-relevant imagery that
was highly similar to the biased perceptual processing found among patients
with continuously held memories of sexual abuse. In the present study,
perceptual processing of threat-relevant imagery was +;
examined as an artifact of media exposure in 40 patients who recovered memories
of childhood sexual abuse as adults and in 40 patients who were not sexually
abused. The two patient samples were divided into high and low media groups on
the basis of a +; composite measure of media exposure. The results indicated
that information gained from media exposure was unrelated to patients responses
to Rorschach stimuli. Recovered memory patients produced threat-relevant imagery that is reminiscent of trauma +; irrespective of the level
of media exposure; non-abused patients did not. That this imagery remained essentially unnoticed by even the most active
consumers of the sexual abuse media among non-abused patients suggests that the
popular media does not play+; a contagious role in the perceptual process of
threat-relevant imagery. 23 references and 3 tables. (Author
abstract)
KEY TERMS: memory; repression;
adults abused as children;
sexual abuse; sequelae; psychological evaluation; mass media;
child abuse research
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.haworthpressinc.com
TITLE: Child
Pornography Prevention Act of 1996: Confronting the Challenges of Virtual
Reality.
AUTHOR: Lee, L.
W.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1999
JOURNAL TITLE: Southern
California Interdisciplinary Law Journal
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: University
of Southern California, Los Angeles.
SOURCE: 8(2):
pp. 639-681; University of Southern
California, Los Angeles. Gould School of Law, Spring 1999
ABSTRACT: This
article assesses the relevance of the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996
for addressing the problem of computer-transmitted and computer-generated child
pornography. A review of the United States Supreme Court rulings in New York
versus Ferber and Osborne versus Ohio, and research about the negative impact
of child pornography indicates that the law effectively balances First
Amendment rights with the need to protect children from exploitation. The
detailed constitutional analysis examines the framework established by the
Supreme Court in the Ferber and Osborne cases, specifically the definition of
child pornography and the state's compelling interest in regulating
communication it deems as pornographic. The article also addresses concerns
that the act will criminalize imagination
and art. It recommends that a good defense be available to health care
practitioners who need to access pornographic images for legitimate reasons
involving research and treatment of child sexual abuse.
KEY TERMS: child
pornography; internet crimes; federal statutory law; federal case law; us supreme court;
prosecution; criminal
charges; legal definitions
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
TITLE: Self-Help
for the Helpers: Preventing Vicarious Traumatization.
AUTHOR: Ryan, K.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1999
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Virginia
Commonwealth Univ., Richmond. School of Social Work.
SOURCE: In:
Webb, N. B. (Editor). Play Therapy With Children in Crisis: Individual, Group,
and Family Treatment. Second Edition. Guilford Publications, Inc., New York,
NY., August 1999; pp. 471-491
ABSTRACT: Therapists
who are treating child victims of trauma may experience symptoms themselves,
specifically in the dimensions of frame of reference, self-capacities, ego
resources, psychological needs and related cognitive schemas, and memory
system. Similar to countertransference, these symptoms are identified as
vicarious traumatization and can have a negative effect on the therapist and
the client. The therapist must participate in a parallel treatment such as
trauma therapy supervision in order to integrate and transform his or her
feelings. A supervisor or colleague knowledgeable about child therapy should be
consulted to address reactions to trauma and assist with the processing of
conscious and unconscious feelings. Other coping strategies include: continue
professional contacts; limit exposure to trauma; participate in personal psychotherapy;
seek out caring relationships and experiences outside of work; create
boundaries between work and personal life; obtain support; and confront
traumatic imagery. A transcript of a consultation group
meeting is provided in the chapter. 23 references.
KEY TERMS: childrens
therapy; intervention strategies; therapists role; trauma; therapists; coping skills
PUBLICATION TYPE: Chapter
in Book
INTERNET URL: http://www.guilford.com
TITLE: Reality
Testing in Adult Women Who Report Childhood Sexual And Physical Abuse.
AUTHOR: Sacco,
M. L.; Farber, B. A.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1999
JOURNAL TITLE: Child
Abuse and Neglect
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Columbia
Univ., New York, NY. Teachers Coll.
SOURCE: 23(11):
pp. 1193-1203; Elsevier Science Ltd.,
New York, NY., November 1999
ABSTRACT: This
study investigated the differential effects of sexual and physical abuse in
childhood on the quality of reality testing (perceptual disorders and
dissociative symptoms) in later adult life. Two hundred and fifty nine female
volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 recruited from college campuses
completed self-report measures assessing sexual and physical abuse in childhood
as well as current perceptual impairments (reality distortion, uncertainty of
perceptions, hallucinations and delusions, and psychoticism) and dissociation
(amnesia, absorption and imaginative involvement, and depersonalization and
derealization). Women who report abuse in childhood dissociate more than
nonabused women, although they do not experience more perceptual distortions.
Duration of abuse, age of onset of abuse, number of perpetrators, and
relationship of perpetrator to victim predicted difficulties in many aspects of
reality testing. Women who report both childhood sexual and physical abuse are
especially prone to acknowledge dissociative phenomena. These findings suggest
that college women who report abuse continue to experience adaptable accuracy
in their reality testing but, in comparison to their cohorts who have not been
abused, more often become distant from the world and their own sensory
experiences. These results confirm and extend research done on clinical samples
and suggest that the enduring effects of abuse on reality testing are manifest
in the nonclinical population as well. 3 tables and numerous references.
(Author abstract modified)
KEY TERMS: dissociation; perception;
physical abuse; sexual
abuse; adults abused as children; testing
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
TITLE: TREATMENT
MODELS: Selected Articles.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1999
SOURCE: NCCAN
Annotated Bibliographies; 1999
KEY TERMS: sex
offenders therapy; assessment; program evaluation; therapeutic effectiveness; therapeutic intervention; program models; intervention strategies;
group therapy; childrens
therapy; family therapy; family services; physical abuse;
models; child abuse research; treatment programs; research methodology; research needs; child welfare services;
substance abusing parents; drug
treatment programs; model
programs; interdisciplinary
approach; program planning; battered women; generational cycle of family violence; home visitation programs;
behavior problems; sexual
abuse; therapists; abusive children; adolescent sex offenders;
literature reviews; ecological
theories; art therapy; cognitive development; sequelae;
behavior theories; adolescents; treatment foster care; juvenile delinquency; prevention;
program descriptions; foster
parents training
PUBLICATION TYPE: Annotated
Bibliography
INTRODUCTION: This
annotated bibliography is a product of the National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect Information. The references have been selected
from thousands of materials available in our database to provide you with
the most up-to-date information related to child victims, witnesses, and
perpetrators of violence.
This bibliography looks at prevention, intervention and treatment issues
in relation to the impacts of violence on children. It is presented in
three sections: children as victims of violence, children as witnesses of
violence, and children and adolescents as perpetrators of violence.
Although many references cover more than one subject area, each citation
is listed only once in this bibliography, primarily under its major
subject heading.
All documents in this bibliography are contained in the Clearinghouse
library and are referenced following the format of the American
Psychological Association (APA). Authors, titles, publication dates and
publishers are provided within this format for each reference. We are
not, however, able to provide photocopies of all materials due to
copyright restrictions. Copies of publications that are not copyrighted,
such as Government publications, grant reports, or unpublished papers,
are available from the Clearinghouse for a reproduction fee of $0.10 per
page. Journal articles and chapters in books are copyrighted and may be
found at research or university libraries.
Information Specialists can answer questions about copyright status and
ordering information, as well as guide you in selecting materials from
this bibliography or suggest other materials that may be useful to you.
In addition, Specialists are available to conduct customized searches
of Clearinghouse databases for a base fee of $5.00 plus $.20 per record.
For more information, please contact
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
330 C St., SW
Washington, DC 20447
Tel.: (800)394-3366 or 703-385-7565
Fax: 703-385-3206
E-mail: nccanch@calib.com
INTERNET URL: http://www.calib.com/nccanch
TITLE: Trauma
and the Self: A Theoretical and Clinical Perspective.
AUTHOR: Pearlman,
L. A.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1998
JOURNAL TITLE: Journal
of Emotional Abuse
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Traumatic
Stress Institute-Center for Adult and Adolescent Psychotherapy, South Windsor,
CT.
SOURCE: 1(1):
pp. 7-25; Binghamton, NY, Haworth
Press, Inc., 1998
ABSTRACT: This
article applies the constructivist self development theory (CSDT) to examine
the traumatic impact of childhood abuse and neglect on the self. CSDT theory,
which integrates psychoanalytic theory with theories of social cognition,
provides a framework for considering the inner abilities that maintain a
cohesive, consistent sense of self. The article outlines the psychological and
behavioral sequelae of undeveloped self capacities resulting from emotional
trauma, including connection, affect regulation, and self-worth. It then provides
a detailed approach to the psychotherapeutic development of self capacities.
Interventions such as self- talk, guided imagery,
identification of shame, differentiation of feelings, and behavioral management
can help survivors learn to value themselves and develop an integrated
identity. 42 references. (Author abstract modified)
KEY TERMS: sequelae; models;
trauma; self concept; self esteem; psychotherapy
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.haworthpressinc.com
TITLE: Women
Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Healing Through Group Work; Beyond
Survival.
AUTHOR: Chew, J.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1998
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Calgary
Univ., Alberta (Canada). Dept. of Educational Psychology.
SOURCE: Binghamton,
NY, Haworth Press, Inc., 1998; 175 pp.
ABSTRACT: This
book provides step-by-step guidelines for conducting a group therapy program
for women who experienced childhood sexual abuse. The 13 session program
combines Ericksonian and solution-oriented approaches with a feminist
perspective. Elements of the therapy include narrative therapy, group
discussion, mini-lectures, structured exercises, guided imagery, and journal writing. Sessions cover: course introduction;
safety and strength; boundaries; building strength and enhancing
resourcefulness; telling personal stories; use of anger and power; restoring
dignity and positive sense of self; trust and future relationships;
spirituality; and planning for the future. The final chapter describes self-care
and well-being for the therapist. 2 figures.
KEY TERMS: female
victims; adults abused as
children; sexual abuse; group therapy; therapeutic intervention
PUBLICATION TYPE: Book
INTERNET URL: http://www.haworthpressinc.com
TITLE: Keeping
Children Safe: Rhetoric and Reality.
AUTHOR: Allen,
E. E.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1998
JOURNAL TITLE: Juvenile
Justice
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Arlington, VA.
SOURCE: 5(1):
pp. 16-23; Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention (DOJ), Washington, DC, May 1998
ABSTRACT: This
article reviews data from a variety of sources to examine whether prevention
strategies that emphasize stranger awareness reflect the actual dangers to
children. Some research has found that up to 90 percent of sexual abuse
offenses are perpetrated by offenders who are known to the child, including
family members. Twenty-nine percent of rape victims are younger than 11 years
old, and the typical victim of abduction and murder is a child who comes from a
middle-class, stable family. Most experts on sexual assault note that the
primary problem with stranger danger messages is that children do not
understand who is considered a stranger. Many imagine
that a stranger looks scary, not like a neighbor or another familiar person. A
study of 155 nonfamily abductions by the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children revealed that the child knew his or her abductor in 89
percent of the cases in which the child was recovered alive. More than
two-thirds of the children who were recovered deceased knew their abductors.
These data can be used to modify prevention messages to more accurately inform
children and their families. In addition to increasing awareness of the
potential for offenses by acquaintances, children should be taught to tell an
adult when someone makes them uncomfortable and that they have the right to say
no to adults in certain situations. 17 references and 2 tables.
KEY TERMS: child
safety; primary prevention; research reviews; statistical data;
characteristics of abused;
characteristics of abuser
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.ncjrs.org
TITLE: Community
and Professional Definitions of Child Neglect.
AUTHOR: Dubowitz.
H.; Klockner, A.; Starr, R. H.; Black, M. M.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1998
JOURNAL TITLE: Child
Maltreatment
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Maryland
Univ., Baltimore. School of Medicine.
SOURCE: 3(3):
pp. 235-243; Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage
Publications, Inc., August 1998
ABSTRACT: This
article examines the views on child neglect among African American and White
community members of middle and low socioeconomic status and contrasts their
views with those of professionals in the field of child maltreatment. Vignettes
concerning an imaginary 18-month-old child were factor analyzed
into Physical and Psychological Care scales. There were small but significant
differences, with both middle-class African American and White community groups
showing greater concern for psychological care than the lower class African
American group. Both groups of African Americans were more concerned than
middle-class Whites about physical care. Overall, there is considerable
agreement among the community samples in their views of what circumstances are
harmful to children; professionals in the field appear to have a higher
threshold for concern. 32 references and 2 tables. (Author abstract)
KEY TERMS: child
neglect; african americans; caucasians;
socioeconomic influences
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.sagepub.com
TITLE: Integrating
Cognitive Strategies into Behavioral Treatment for Abusive Parents and Families
with Aggressive Adolescents.
AUTHOR: Stern,
S. B.; Azar, S. T.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1998
JOURNAL TITLE: Clinical
Child Psychology and Psychiatry
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Boston
Univ., MA. School of Social Work.
SOURCE: 3(3):
pp. 387-403; Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage
Publications, Inc., July 1998
ABSTRACT: This
article describes the cognitive problems that mark two parenting populations:
abusive parents and parents of aggressive adolescents. Research is summarized
characterizing the nature of these difficulties for both populations in distorted
expectations and attributions, poor cognitive problem- solving capacities, and
poor anger control and stress management skills. The article then outlines
promising cognitive strategies to address these difficulties, including role
playing and imagery, restructuring, reframing, education
about child development, communication skills training, problem-solving
training, journaling, and relaxation training. The article suggests that these
strategies will enhance currently available behavioral approaches and address
the complex tasks of parenting more fully. Numerous references and 1 table.
(Author abstract modified)
KEY TERMS: behavior
therapy; cognitive development; aggressive behavior; adolescents; adolescent psychology;
parental therapy; intervention
strategies
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.sagepub.com
TITLE: Reliability
and Credibility of Young Children's Reports: From Research to Policy and
Practice.
AUTHOR: Bruck,
M.; Ceci, S. J.; Hembrooke, H.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1998
JOURNAL TITLE: American
Psychologist
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: McGill
Univ., Montreal (Canada). Dept. of Psychology.
SOURCE: 53(2):
pp. 136-151; American Psychological
Association, Washington, DC, February 1998
ABSTRACT: This
article reviews issues, concerns, and research regarding the interviewing of
young child witnesses. The article focuses on research on suggestibility and
the influence of various interviewing techniques on the reliability and
credibility of young children's reports. Interviewer bias, guided imagery, peer pressure, visualization techniques, repetition of
misinformation, and selective reinforcement are described as potential sources
of false allegations. Research indicates that children are able to provide reliable
and accurate reports of events when the interviewer is neutral and there exists
no motivation for the child to report false information. However, children can
be swayed by suggestive interviewing techniques and older children are as
susceptible to suggestion as preschool children. Implications for future
research and for policy are discussed. 90 references. (Author abstract
modified)
KEY TERMS: child
witnesses; interviews; credibility; reliability;
suggestibility; methods; leading questions
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.apa.org
TITLE: Recovered
Memory Therapy: A Dubious Practice Technique.
AUTHOR: Stocks,
J. T.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1998
JOURNAL TITLE: Social
Work
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Michigan
State Univ., East Lansing. School of Social Work.
SOURCE: 43(5):
pp. 423-436; Washington, DC, National
Association of Social Workers, September 1998
ABSTRACT: This
article examines the validity of memory work as well as the evidence for the
efficacy of therapeutic interventions based in the recovery of childhood sexual
abuse memories. Body work, hypnosis, dream interpretation, flashbacks,
journaling, guided imagery, truth serum, and survivors' groups are
described. Evidence suggests that both true and false memories can be recovered
using memory work techniques, and there is no evidence that reliable
discriminations can be made between them. Similarly, there is no empirical
evidence to suggest that recovered memory therapy results in improved outcomes
for participating clients. The article reviews current treatment outcome
research and suggests that participation in recovered memory therapy may be
harmful to clients. Numerous references. (Author abstract)
KEY TERMS: memory; repression;
therapeutic effectiveness;
adults abused as children;
sexual abuse; research
reviews; therapeutic intervention
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.naswpress.org
TITLE: The
Contributions of Source Misattributions, Acquiescence, and Response Bias to
Children's False Memories.
AUTHOR: McBrien,
C. M.; Dagenbach, D.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1998
JOURNAL TITLE: American
Journal of Psychology
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Wake
Forest Univ., Winston-Salem, NC.
SOURCE: 3(4):
pp. 509-528; Champaign, IL, Univ. of
Illinois Press, Winter 1998
ABSTRACT: Two
studies examined the nature of the false recollections that preschool children
experience after imaginary events. The first replicated earlier
findings suggesting that some young children respond to the events as though
they had actually happened. However, events that had not been studied or
thought about also were included in the test phase, and children indicated that
many of these had happened to them as well. This suggested that something other
than source misattribution for imagined events occurred for at least some
children. A second study assessed whether children's affirmative responses to
queries about imagined events reflected retrieval of the imagined event,
acquiescence, or a yes response bias. Evidence of contributions to false
assents from the retrieval of imagined events and yes response bias was strong,
but the contribution of acquiescence was minimal. 14 references and 6 tables.
(Author abstract)
KEY TERMS: false
allegations; suggestibility; preschool children; memory;
child witnesses; leading
questions; psychological
characteristics; false memory syndrome
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
TITLE: Aspects
of a Preventive Approach to Support Children of Alcoholics.
AUTHOR: Christensen,
E.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1997
JOURNAL TITLE: Child
Abuse Review
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Danish
National Institute of Social Research, Copenhagen (Denmark).
SOURCE: 6(1):
pp. 24-34; Chichester (Great Britain),
John Wiley and Sons, Ltd., March 1997
ABSTRACT: Thirty-two
children aged 5 to 16 years and their parents were interviewed about what it is
like to be a child in a family where one or both parents have alcohol problems.
The study found that parents imagine that
the children do not know about their alcohol abuse and, at the same time,
documented that the children were aware of it. The children tried to stop their
parents from drinking by telling them to stop. When this did not work, the
children withdrew. They did not talk about the problems outside the family as
they were afraid they would be rejected by society. The children made it clear
that it was important for children in families with alcoholism to receive
attention. The best place to get attention and help was, from the children's
point of view, the treatment institution where the parents received help. The
reasons for this were the importance to the children that those helping them
should be knowledgeable about alcoholism and for the children to be sure the
parents would be helped as well. 4 references and 2 tables. (Author abstract)
KEY TERMS: prevention
programs; substance abusing
parents; alcoholism; alcohol abuse; childrens services;
alcohol education; needs
assessment; denmark
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.wiley.com
TITLE: Inaccuracies
in Children's Testimony: Memory, Suggestibility, or Obedience to Authority?
AUTHOR: Meyer,
J. F.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1997
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Rutgers
Univ., Camden, NJ. Dept. of Sociology.
SOURCE: Binghamton,
NY, Haworth Press, Inc., 1997; 175 pp.
ABSTRACT: This
book integrates literature on memory, suggestibility, and obedience to
authority to provide a comprehensive perspective of the reasons for
inaccuracies in children's testimony. Chapters review research about recall;
questioning techniques; the effects of stress, prompting, and imagination; suggestibility; limitations of research;
and the applications of Milgram's theory of obedience to authority for children
in court. Strategies recommended for improving the accuracy of children's
testimony include: learn from previous mistakes; avoid leading questions; use
indirect and nonverbal techniques; rehearse testimony with the child; reduce
perceived authority of the interviewer; educate children about court
procedures; train children to answer questions; and teach children to recognize
leading questions. Numerous references and 1 table.
KEY TERMS: child
witnesses; credibility; testimony;
suggestibility; memory; competency
PUBLICATION TYPE: Book
INTERNET URL: http://www.haworthpressinc.com
TITLE: Empowering
Techniques of Play Therapy: A Method for Working With Sexually Abused Children.
AUTHOR: Griffith,
M.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1997
JOURNAL TITLE: Journal
of Mental Health Counseling
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Butler
Univ., Indianapolis, IN. School of Counseling, Marital and Family Therapy, and
School Psychology.
SOURCE: 19(2):
pp. 130-142; American Counseling
Association, Alexandria, VA, April 1997
ABSTRACT: This
article presents a therapeutic model in which the mental health counselor
functions as a play therapist with children who have been sexually abused. Play
therapy, as addressed in this article, is based on existential,
client-centered, and developmental theories. The purpose of play therapy is to relieve
the emotional distress of sexual abuse through a variety of expressive play
materials and imagination and is based on the notion that play is a
child's natural medium of self-expression. Through the power of the therapeutic
relationship and the belief of the mental health counselor in the child's
strengths and potential for change and growth, self-esteem and empowerment
within the child increases. An appendix reviews the stages of therapy and the
role of the play therapist. A second appendix provides an example of a
treatment plan for play therapy. Numerous references. (Author abstract
modified)
KEY TERMS: play
therapy; sexual abuse; therapeutic intervention; abused children; models; counselors
PUBLICATION TYPE: Journal
Article
INTERNET URL: http://www.counseling.org
TITLE: Philadelphia's
Progressive Orphanage: The Carson Valley School.
AUTHOR: Contosta,
D. R.
PUBLICATION YEAR: 1997