Prenatal Posttraumatic Stress Symptomatology in Pregnant Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Brief Report

This study examined prenatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology (related to childhood sexual abuse, [CSA]) in pregnant women survivors of CSA compared to pregnant women who did not experience CSA. A convenience sample of 559 mid-pregnant Jewish women, ranging in age from 23 to 36 years (M = 29.24, SD = 4.94), were recruited through the major health funds in Israel. The questionnaire consisted of five scales: a demographic variables scale, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Traumatic Events Questionnaire, and the Childhood Sexual Experiences Scale. Results indicated that PTSD levels were significantly higher among the CSA group than among the comparison group.