The impact of dysfunctional families and sexual abuse on the psychological well-being of adolescent females in Eastern Cape, South Africa: A research note

Abstract

Owing to fear to report abuse to significant others (e.g,. educators), research highlighted that abused female youth tend to be submissive and experience impaired self-acceptance and negative relationships with others. The aim of the study was to investigate the circumstances under which sexually abused adolescent females engage in risk-taking activities. The research used a qualitative method to collect data from 8 purposively sampled participants (aged 15-18 years) from one secondary school in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Results indicated that sexually abused youth are susceptible to neuroticism and substance abuse. In recommendation, the community should be pro-active in ending abuse.