Impact of Sexual Abuse on Self-Esteem and Psychological Well-Being of Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is a universal problem that occurs across gender, caste, color, religion, ethnic and socio-economic group. Sexual abuse creates intense trauma and emotional problems which create serious short term and long term psychological and behavioural problems.81.53% of the total incidence of child sexual abuse was reported amongst children between 11 and 18 years of age. The pre-adolescent to the adolescent child seems to be most at risk (Kacker, Varadan, Kumar, 2007). The present study intends to assess the impact of sexual abuse on self esteem and psychological well being of adolescent girls. Sample consists of 75 adolescent girls aged 12-18 years. 25 sexually abused girls from rehabilitating government children’s home, 25 non-abused girls from a destitute home for children and 25 girls staying with parents. Instruments used are Self-Esteem Scale (SES-DSDU) and Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS-SDCP). The results indicate the sexual abuse has a significant impact on self esteem and psychological well-being of adolescent girls.