Forced to Grow Up? Childhood Sexual Abuse, Pubertal Maturation, and Later Sexual Activity

• In Event: Understanding Childhood Victimization Risks and Responses

Abstract

A great deal of research has examined the role of childhood sexual abuse in the development of outcomes at later stages of the life-course, especially adolescence. However, the specific mechanisms by which this relationship operates remain vague. The current research uses The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to examine the possible mediating role of actual and perceptual pubertal maturation in the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and later sexual activity. In doing so, the study will assess whether an overlap (or lack thereof) exists between actual pubertal maturation and perceived pubertal maturation within this context. The study’s findings will have implications for criminal justice policy, programming, and education.

Authors

• Alli Cher Wagner, Florida State University

• Marin R. Wenger, Florida State University