Date of Award
4-5-2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Psychology: Clinical-Counseling Psychology
First Advisor
Marla J. Reese-Weber
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine how childhood sexual abuse (CSA) influences identity development along with attachment and self-esteem. The participants included 208 first-year female undergraduate students from Illinois State University. Students were afforded the opportunity to receive extra credit for their participation and could enter into a random prize drawing. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, The Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire, Dimensions of Identity Development Scale, and the Hot Topics Questionnaire which assesses history of CSA. Of the participants, 145 (69.7%) were in the non-abuse group and 63 (30.3%) were in the abuse group. Results indicated that CSA was related to higher levels of attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and low levels of self-esteem compared to the non-abuse group. No difference was found between the abuse and non-abuse groups on levels of commitment making, identification with commitments, or ruminative exploration. Finally, poor attachment security and low levels of self-esteem were found to be related to lower levels of commitment making, identification with commitments, and higher levels of ruminative exploration.
Recommended Citation
Dukett, Joel David, "Childhood Sexual Abuse and Identity Development: the Role of Attachment and Self-Esteeem" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 391.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/391
DOI
http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2015.Dukett.J
Page Count
68
Comments
Imported from ProQuest Dukett_ilstu_0092N_10516.pdf