Abstract: | Based on observations of 10 nonabusive adults who were physically abused as children, it is contended that these Ss differ from abusive adults who were abused as children in significant ways. It is recommended that abused children receive intensive therapy either at the time that the abuse is discovered or at a developmentally more appropriate stage to block persistence of symptoms into adulthood. It is suggested that these nonabusive adults present a constellation of symptoms that may not be recognized as posttraumatic stress syndrome. For both the abused child and the adult a highly interactive course of therapy is recommended, during which the major goal is reparenting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |