A social exchange explanation for the child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome

Abstract

Social exchange framework is applied to Summit's Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome, which describes a common pattern of interaction and response among child victims of sexual abuse, their caretakers, and the adult offenders. Using the principles of cost and rewards, an analysis is made of the five components of the syndrome: (a) secrecy; (b) helplessness; (c) entrapment and accommodation; (d) delayed, conflicted, and unconvincing disclosure; and (e) retraction. Exchange principles show that all components reflect the least unprofitable of the limited options perceived by victims. Analysis of the syndrome demonstrates the applicability of the exchange perspective for this aspect of child sexual abuse and encourages its use with other aspects of family violence. Elizabeth D. Leonard received a B.S. in Social Relations and M. A. in Sociology from University of California, Riverside, where she is now a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology. In addition, she has been a clinical participant in group play therapy for child victims of sexual abuse at the Family and Child Therapy (FACT) Program at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.