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Prevention and Outcomes for Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Associations between Mental Health, Substance Use, and Sexual Abuse Experiences among Latinas

, &
Pages 35-54
Received 11 Nov 2013
Accepted 07 Aug 2014
Published online: 30 Jan 2015

This study examined self-reported sexually abusive experiences in childhood and adulthood as correlates of current drug use, alcohol abuse, and depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Participants were 204 Latina women 18–34 years old. Results indicated significant relationships between history of sexual abuse (regardless of age of occurrence), depression symptoms, PTSD symptoms, alcohol abuse, and drug use. When examined separately, childhood sexual abuse was associated with symptoms of depression, PTSD, and substance use but not alcohol abuse behaviors. Experiencing sexual abuse in adulthood was associated with symptoms of depression, alcohol abuse behaviors, and substance use but not PTSD symptoms. Structural equation modeling showed that substance use partially mediated the relationship between sexual abuse and mental health outcomes. These findings suggest mental health and substance use services should incorporate treatment for trauma, which may be the root of comorbid mental health and substance use issues.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by an APA Minority Fellowship Program Dissertation Award and a predoctoral position at the Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health at San Diego State University.

Notes on contributors

Monica D. Ulibarri

Monica D. Ulibarri, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, and Center on Gender Equity and Health.

Emilio C. Ulloa

Emilio C. Ulloa, PhD, is the director of undergraduate advising and programs in psychology and an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University.

Marissa Salazar

Marissa Salazar, MA, received her master’s degree in psychology from San Diego State University and is currently a doctoral student in the Division of Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego.
 

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