History of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Mexican Origin Undergraduate Students and Its Relationship to Impulsivity

Authors

Jessica Lee Graham, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

8-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Frederick A. Ernst

Second Advisor

Dr. Edna Alfaro

Third Advisor

Dr. Russell Eisenman

Abstract

It is estimated that twenty-five percent of undergraduate female students have experienced some form of sexual abuse while under the age of 18. The definition of childhood sexual abuse, CSA, consists of abusive behaviors of varying intensity and duration and varies across states. Few studies have been done addressing the relationship between CSA and impulsivity. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was an association between a history of childhood sexual abuse and impulsivity in adults of Mexican origin. One hundred fifty-one undergraduates from UTPA participated. For the purposes of this study focus was placed on the 137 Hispanics of Mexican origin. Of these participants, 37 (11 males, 26 females) were identified as having experienced some form of CSA. A Pearson coefficient found that there was no significant correlation between having been sexually abused, impulsivity, and risky behaviors.

Comments

Copyright 2011 Jessica Lee Graham. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/history-childhood-sexual-abuse-mexican-origin/docview/896957326/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American