Child Sexual Abuse and Use of Restraint and Seclusion: The Interactive Contributions of Early Environmental Factors and Child Characteristics

This master's thesis further examined the relation between child sexual abuse history and subsequent restraint and seclusion incidents, and additionally evaluated the influence of three potential moderators on this primary relationship (namely, prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and/or illicit drugs, child temperament, and executive functioning). Results revealed that child temperament, specifically effortful control, and prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and/or illicit drugs were both significant moderating influences on the relation of child sexual abuse history to restraint and seclusion. In contrast, child executive functioning was not found to be a significant moderator in predicting restraint and seclusion. Ultimately, this research, focused on a high-risk clinical population, is essential for increasing our understanding of child psychopathology and enhancing treatments for youth affected by sexual abuse. Specifically, these findings have critical clinical implications that may inform specialized inpatient treatment in the prevention of the use restraint and seclusion.