Further Investigation on Sexual Abuse Experiences: Revisiting the Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Abuse History Questionnaire and the Content of its Open-Ended Item

Introduction: Numerous studies have assessed sexual abuse (SA) in association with psychological consequences, psychiatric disorders, or somatic disorders. However, assessing such a complex psychological construct faces both methodological and theoretical difficulties. 

Method: The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Sexual Abuse History Questionnaire (SAHQ) in a large, non-clinical sample (N = 24,715) and to identify other potential manifestations of sexual abuse using an open-ended question (e.g., groping, non-physical coercion, consent regarding sexual health, and the reproductive system). 

Results: Two subsamples were created to perform both EFA and CFA, since no pre-established factor structure existed for the scale. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified a one-factor structure in sexual abuse both in childhood (CSA) and adolescence/adulthood (AASA). AASA and CSA showed a moderate positive correlation in both subsamples. Both AASA and CSA correlated positively with compulsive sexual behavior, sexual dysfunction, and number of sexual partners and negatively with problematic pornography consumption, although these associations were weak. Our qualitative analysis indicated eight additional categories of SA that the scale did not measure. 

Conclusions: Our quantitative analyses showed adequate reliability but insufficient criterion validity for the SAHQ. Our qualitative analyses indicated that the scale is presumably not able to measure sexual abuse in its full complexity. 

Policy Implications: The present research may point to the need to apply broader definitions of sexual abuse when it comes to designing interventions or treatment for SA survivors, as they can result in more personalized, inclusive, and effective intervention programs.