Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms and Adolescent Female Sexual Victimisation: Mediating and Moderating Effects of Risky Behaviours

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Cheryl A. Buehler, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The mediating effects of risky behaviours on the linkage between childhood attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) symptoms and adolescent sexual victimisation in college women were examined using structural equation modelling (n=374). The moderating effects of timing onset of risky behaviours were also examined. General risky behaviour was not a significant mediator. Rather, findings supported a specificity hypothesis suggesting risky sexual behaviour is a better explanation of the ADHD symptoms–sexual victimisation association than is general risky behaviour. Early onset of alcohol or marijuana use, consensual sexual activity and staying out all night interacted with childhood ADHD symptoms to increase general risky behaviour and sexual risk-taking. We conclude that to understand the risk for sexual victimisation in adolescent females with childhood ADHD symptoms it would be advisable to focus specifically on sexual risk-taking.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Sexual Aggression, 20(1), 23-39
Language: English
Date: 2014
Keywords
ADHD symptoms, adolescence, risky behavior, sexual abuse, sexual aggression, sexual victimization

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