1st Edition

Long-range Effects of Child and Adolescent Sexual Experiences Myths, Mores, and Menaces

By Allie C. Kilpatrick Copyright 1992
    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    228 Pages
    by Routledge

    Making a unique contribution of placing the current sexual exploitation of children and adolescents firmly in its historical context, this book looks at the family's and society's roles in child and adolescent sex abuse. Unlike most previous studies, this study allows a range of responses from negative to positive and avoids the methodological problems inherent in many other studies. Most studies combine the age groups of children and adolescents, whereas this study separates these different age groups and compares the nature and outcome of sexual experiences of children with those of adolescents. Utilizing sophisticated analytical measures, the author's findings repudiate many commonly held assumptions and serve to calm current hysteria regarding sexual abuse of minors.

    Written to disseminate findings that could be helpful in realistically confronting the phenomenon of human sexuality, the results presented in this book dispel many current myths about early sexuality, including ethnic differences. The author wanted to separate scientific inquiry from the perpetration of pervading mores or social norms, and identify the real menaces to healthy adult functioning.

    Contents: W.W. Hudson, Foreword. Preface. Part I: Contexts and Issues in Studying Child and Adolescent Sexual Experiences. Childhood/Adolescent Sexual Experiences in Historical Context. The Helping Professions and Problems of Prevention and Treatment. Considerations for Researchers. Part II: Nature and Consequences of Child and Adolescent Sexual Experiences -- A Research Study. Original Research Study. Nature of the Sexual Experiences. Differences by Ethnicity. Conditions and Reactions to the Sexual Experiences. Consequences for Adult Functioning. Discussions and Implications. Future Directions in Treatment. Appendices: Analysis of Studies. Questionnaire Package. Consent Form. Sexual Involvement Rating Scale. Significant Variables Within Sets.

    Biography

    Kilpatrick, Allie C.

    "This is an important book and is strongly recommended to anyone concerned with female juvenile sexual experience or juvenile sexuality in general."
    The Journal of Sex Research

    "This book is recommended highly and should be read carefully by all those concerned with juvenile female sexual experience."
    Issues in Child Abuse Accusations

    "This volume will provide pertinent material for researchers and clinicians concerned about sexual abuse, its consequences, and the rigors of valid research in the area."
    Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health

    "...provides a wealth of historical context for understanding such experiences....an in-depth analysis of the actual scenarios of child and adolescent sexual experience and the consequences of these scenarios."
    Contemporary Psychology

    "As a contribution to providing a more realistic perspective of human sexuality, especially childhood sexual experiences, this book offers a refreshing perspective."
    Archives of Sexual Behavior

    "...a much needed publication. The twin goals of providing information for understanding childhood sexual abuse and identifying the problems inherent in providing effective care are clearly accomplished...."
    Donald R. Bardill
    Dean, School of Social Work, Florida State University

    "...the facts which emerge from an investigation are inextricably connected to the values and beliefs of those who shape the research questions and the design of data collection instruments....it is imperative that we understand them and the influence they have on shaping the 'facts' that are obtained. This book presses these issues forward with such great clarity that it should be regarded as essential reading for any who will conduct research in human sexuality. It is equally essential reading for those who would be consumers of published research in this and related areas of human endeavor."
    Walter W. Hudson
    from the Foreword, Arizona State University