Abstract
Objective: The current paper aims to explore the impact of a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on later perceptions of parenting competency (PPC) by providing a systematic review of the literature assessing the association between these concepts. A further objective is to explore any potential mediating effects of other variables on the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and perceived parental competence. Finally, the methodological quality of the reviewed studies will be appraised and findings synthesised in order to provide a review of the relevant literature.Methods: Web of Science, PsychINFO & MEDLINE databases were all searched and 11 studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was rated using The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network (SIGN); The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) and the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) guidelines.
Results: One study was rated as high in quality with the remaining ten rated as medium. Ten studies found significant associations between CSA and PPC with four finding mediating effects of other childhood and adulthood variables in this relationship.
Conclusions: Overall, CSA was more consistently found to be uniquely related to PPC even after controlling for the effects of other negative childhood and adulthood experiences associated with CSA. However, due to a number of methodological weaknesses future research is needed in order to make accurate inferences about the nature ofthe impact of CSA on PPC. Health care providers are encouraged to be mindful of assessing and treating both parenting self-efficacy and a history ofCSA when working with families in need.
| Date of Award | Dec 2014 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
|
| Supervisor | David Curran (Supervisor) & Michele Kavanagh (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- Parental Substance Misuse
- Addiction Treatment
- Child Protection