The Link Between Child Sexual Abuse, Identity, and Self-Harm: A Study of Identity Statuses in Youth

This study investigates the relationships between childhood sexual abuse (CSA), self-injurious thoughts, and behaviors within a sample exhibiting diverse identity statuses. Despite no significant correlations between identity statuses and CSA, self-injurious thoughts and behaviors were prevalent, with notable incidences in the Undefined and Arrested Moratorium statuses. The functions and triggers of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors have been analyzed, identifying significant associations with emotional states and family dynamics. Findings suggest a cyclical relationship between negative emotional states and self-harm, as illustrated by the Emotional Cascades Model. Limitations include sample size and gender representativeness, highlighting the need for further research to explore these dynamics more comprehensively, particularly regarding the role of identity and emotional regulation.