Predictors of Delayed Disclosure and Effects of Delayed Disclosure on Psychological Adjustment in Sexually Abused Children

Abstract

The present study examined the predictors that could differentiate children who immediately disclose from children whose disclosure was delayed in a sample of sexually abused children. In addition, the study investigated whether differences in behavioral problems existed between the two groups. With 410 sexually abused children (age 6-13), we assessed demographic characteristics (gender, age), abuse characteristics (type of abuse, duration of abuse, relationship with the perpetrator), environmental characteristics (family structure, family income), and behavior problems. Logistical regression analyses revealed that age, relationship with the perpetrator, type of abuse, and family structure were significant predictors of delayed disclosure. In addition, children in the delayed disclosure group manifested higher externalizing behavior and total problem behaviors when demographic variables, sexual abuse characteristics, and environmental factor were considered together. Implications and limitations of the study were discussed.