Evaluating the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse on Cognitive Distortions with the Homeless Young Adult Population: A Policy Analysis and Recommendations Using an Econometrics Model

Background and Purpose: Although research has been conducted for several decades on child sexual abuse (CSA), it is only more recently that research has examined its effects on cognitive distortions. The five areas of cognitive distortions resulting from the trauma associated with CSA are safety, trust, power, esteem, and intimacy. Accompanying psychological responses that are associated with these cognitive distortions include isolation, anger, feelings of powerlessness and weakness, avoidant behavior, social withdrawal, anxiety, fear of betrayal, and passivity. Additionally, exaggeration of danger and difficulty in the world are heightened from CSA and its impact on cognitive distortions. In response, Erin’s Law was passed in 2010 as the first law mandating schools to create sexual abuse prevention programs to teach children about personal body safety. Erin’s Law was first passed in Illinois; 34 additional states subsequently passed the law, and it is currently pending in another 15 states. Although research exists on CSA and cognitive distortions among housed youth, little is known on this phenomenon with homeless young adults (HYA). Thus, this study answered the following research question: What are the effects of CSA on self-efficacy and on self-esteem among HYA?

Methods: This study uses the Four Traumagenic Dynamics Model and linear regression to test the effects of CSA on self-efficacy (n=591) and self-esteem (n=590) outcomes with HYA in three cities: Denver, CO; Austin, TX; and Los Angeles, CA. Independent variables included CSA, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and physical neglect (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire); foster care history, restrictions/expulsions from agency services, substance abuse, arrest history, and transience. The dependent variables were self-esteem and self-efficacy (Self-esteem and Self-efficacy Subscales of the Client Evaluation of Self and Treatment [CEST]). Self-efficacy was renamed as ‘power’ to correspond with one of the five areas of cognitive distortions resulting from the trauma of sexual abuse. Econometric methods were used to create two Ordinary Least Squares regression models in order to analyze associations between CSA and related predictors and the two dependent variables (self-efficacy and power).

Findings: In the first model, lower self-efficacy (i.e., power) was associated with higher levels of CSA, emotional neglect, and previous restrictions/expulsions from agency services (F=2.66[19], p<.001). In the second model, lower self-esteem was associated with higher levels of CSA and emotional neglect (F=2.38[19], p<.001).

Conclusions and Implications: Findings from this study suggest that HYA who report histories of CSA and emotional neglect have decreased self-efficacy and self-esteem. These findings have implications for researchers and practitioners working with HYA experiencing histories of CSA to develop and implement interventions that enhance their self-esteem and self-efficacy. Further, the econometric methods used in this study are beneficial for policymakers to highlight the importance of preventative legislation and policies, such as Erin’s Law, to expose youth to inappropriate behavior with the aim of preventing or intervening early in child sexual abuse.