Mediators of the Link Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

A history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is strongly associated with adult depression. The goal of the present study was to explore potential mediators of the CSA-depression link. The potential mediators were variables known to be associated with depression: interpersonal problems, gender role orientation, sociotropy, and self-silencing. The participants were 109 women and 83 men recruited from the community, approximately one third of whom had a history of CSA. The results indicated that gender role orientation, sociotropy, and self-silencing were not associated with a history of CSA. However, both men and women with a history of CSA reported more inter-personal problems than did individuals without this history. Whereas women reported being distant and controlling, men reported lacking assertiveness and taking too much responsibility in their relationships. These interpersonal variables partially mediated the link between CSA and depressive symptoms. Thus, in part, CSA survivors may be at risk for depression because they experience interpersonal problems.

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