Emotion Regulation in Sexually Abused Preschoolers

Rachel Langevin; Louise Cossette; Martine Hébert

doi:10.1007/s10578-015-0538-y

Emotion Regulation in Sexually Abused Preschoolers

Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2016 Feb;47(1):1-12. doi: 10.1007/s10578-015-0538-y.

Authors

Rachel Langevin¹, Louise Cossette², Martine Hébert³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP8888 succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada. [email protected].
² Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP8888 succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada.
³ Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.

PMID: 25724803
DOI: 10.1007/s10578-015-0538-y

Abstract

Emotion regulation is closely related to mental health in children and adults. Low emotion regulation competencies have been found in school-aged sexually abused girls. The aim of the present study was to investigate emotion regulation competencies in sexually abused preschool girls and boys using a multi-informant approach. Emotion regulation was assessed in 62 sexually abused and 65 non-abused preschoolers using the Emotion Regulation Checklist and the MacArthur Story Stem Battery. Both parents and educators reported lower emotion regulation competencies in sexually abused preschoolers, especially boys, than in non-abused children. The narrative task completed by the children also revealed lower emotion regulation competencies in sexually abused boys. These findings could have an important impact on intervention programs offered to these at-risk children.

Keywords: Emotion regulation; Emotional development; Preschoolers; Sexual abuse.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
Child Behavior Disorders / nursing
Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
Child, Preschool
Emotional Adjustment*
Emotional Intelligence*
Female
Humans
Internal-External Control
Male