U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Social Network Constellation and Sexuality of Sexually Abused and Comparison Girls in Childhood and Adolescence

NCJ Number
185612
Journal
Child Maltreatment Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2000 Pages: 323-337
Author(s)
Jennie G. Noll; Penelope K. Trickett; Frank W. Putnam
Date Published
November 2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examines the social network constellation and sexuality of sexually abused and comparison girls in childhood and adolescence.
Abstract
A longitudinal study examined how childhood and early adolescent (age 6 to 15) peer and nonpeer social networks relate to sexual attitudes and behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood (age 12 to 25) for sexually abused and comparison girls. A large number of male peers in childhood was related to heightened sexual activity, sexual preoccupation, increased sexual pressure and risky sexual behavior in adolescence. High-quality, female, nonpeer relationships had a positive effect on attitudes toward casual sex. Multiple group models illuminated several cross-lag group moderators: (1) Abused girls who were happier with male nonpeers were less preoccupied with sex; (2) Abused girls who were happier with male peers were more likely to use birth control; and (3) Abused girls who had early physical relationships were more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. Treatment implications include monitoring the effects of low-status peer groups, encouraging contact with female role models and encouraging formation of high-quality relationships with male peers and nonpeers. Figures, tables, notes, references