Adolescents Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse: Non-Supportive Responses, Self-Blame, and Trauma Symptoms

This study examines non-supportive responses to adolescents who disclosed sexual abuse—from caregivers, friends, and other adults—as correlates of adolescent adjustment. Such responses from caregivers and friends contribute to adolescent trauma symptoms, with responses from caregivers appearing to relate to trauma symptoms by increasing adolescent self-blame for the abuse.