Peer Victimization in Sexually Abused Children: The Mediating Role of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

Abstract

Objectives: Studies suggest that sexually abused children are at higher risk of being victimized by their peers. However, little is known about the factors influencing the risk of peer victimization. This study aimed to examine whether post-traumatic stress symptoms mediated the relationship between CSA-specific self-blame and peer victimization in sexually abused children. Method: A sample of 352 children (232 girls and 120 boys), aged 5-14, victims of sexual abuse were recruited. Children completed the Children’s Impact of Traumatic Events Scale II (CITES II; Wolfe, 2002) assessing post-traumatic stress symptoms and CSA-specific self-blame. Peer victimization was assessed with a cross-informant measure (Ladd & Kochenderfer-Ladd, 2002) completed by the child, the parent and the teacher. Results: Results of logistic regression analyses revealed that post-traumatic stress symptoms are positively associated with self-reported peer victimization, while selfblame is only associated with parents’ reports of the child peer victimization. A structural model revealed that post-traumatic stress symptoms mediated the relationship between self-blame and peer victimization as measured by all three informants. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of considering post-traumatic stress symptoms and self-blame in interventions for children victims of sexual abuse. Strengthbased interventions aiming to promote adaptive behaviors and a systemic approach could target and prevent further victimization, therefore fostering resilience among this vulnerable population of children.