Kimberly J. Mitchell , Deirdre Colburn , David Finkelhor , Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan , Heather A. Turner , Lisa M. Jones
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) involves harm inflicted upon children through the creation, distribution, and misuse of explicit images. IBSA includes scenarios where explicit images are produced, shared, and misused by both adults and other youth.
Objective
To examine the impact of IBSA, independent of child sexual abuse and adversity, on drug overdoses, suicide attempts and self-injuries before the age of 18 with a focus on sexual and gender minority youth.
Participants and setting
Young adult social media users, aged 18 to 28 (n = 2630) from across the United States.
Methods
Participants were recruited through social media and completed an online survey. Data is cross-sectional - asking young adults to reflect back on experiences prior to age 18. Data was collected between February 27, 2024 and April 1, 2024.
Results
IBSA was associated with elevated odds of mental health impact, independent of in-person sexual abuse and adversity. Gender minority participants were more likely than cisgender participants to report IBSA; sexual minority youth more likely than those identifying exclusively as heterosexual to report IBSA. Gender minority youth with IBSA had increased odds of drug overdoses (aOR 3.0, p = .053) and suicide attempts (aOR 3.1, p < .001), controlling for other factors. Among sexual minority youth, IBSA was associated with increased odds of drug overdoses (aOR 3.9, p = .002), suicide attempts (aOR 2.4, p < .001) and non-suicidal self-injury (aOR 2.9, p = .001).
Conclusions
Youth serving professionals should be aware that IBSA is associated with increased public health problems. Vulnerability to IBSA should be included among the concerns that clinicians and educators screen for, particularly among vulnerable populations.
期刊介绍:
Official Publication of the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Child Abuse & Neglect The International Journal, provides an international, multidisciplinary forum on all aspects of child abuse and neglect, with special emphasis on prevention and treatment; the scope extends further to all those aspects of life which either favor or hinder child development. While contributions will primarily be from the fields of psychology, psychiatry, social work, medicine, nursing, law enforcement, legislature, education, and anthropology, the Journal encourages the concerned lay individual and child-oriented advocate organizations to contribute.