ABSTRACT Recent studies indicate that child sexual abuse is associated with multiple short-term and long-term psychological difficulties. Most of these studies have used correlational designs and retrospective reports of abuse, with the result that few studies have been theory-driven and are thus unable to inform clinical practice. This essay attempts to explore why the experience of child sexual abuse might lead to psychological difficulties by examining three models proposed in recent literature. One of the most commonly used explanations for the development of sexual abuse sequelae is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Although this model adequately explains particular 'anxiety effects'...
naturally bring to the therapeutic relationship.

Conclusion

Examination of the literature indicates that child sexual abuse is associated with multiple short-term and long-term psychological difficulties. Most of these studies have used correlational designs and retrospective reports of abuse, with the result that few studies have been theory-driven and are thus unable to inform clinical practice.

Combining attachment theory with the traumagenic dynamics model provides a better explanation of the consequences observed in the literature than either model in isolation, as well as providing a conceptual framework with which to guide both further research and clinical practice.