Perfiles de estrés postraumático en adolescentes abusados sexualmente

Abstract

There is high variability in the emotional reactions present in victims of sexual abuse, therefore it is urgent to know the factors that could explain such variability and to use that information to generate treatments and more specific public policies. The objective of this study was to identify different profiles of victims, according to their PTSD symptomatology. The participants were 123 victims of sexual abuse between 12 and 17 years (M = 14.13; SD = 1.75). The results of a cluster analysis show three groups of adolescents with high, moderate and low symptomatology respectively. The three groups showed statistically significant differences in gender, self-efficacy beliefs and perceived social support. Also, some tendencies that give relevance to the frequency of abuse and to the relationship with the aggressor were appreciated. These results show specific profiles of victims that could serve to discuss about the public policies about children and adolescents in Chile, and for support programs for victims along the country.