CUMULATIVE TRAUMA - THE IMPACT OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND SPOUSE ABUSE

The present study investigated the relationship between trauma symptom s and a history of child sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, and physi cal abuse by a partner as an adult. While there has been some research examining the correlation between individual victimization experience s and traumatic stress, the cumulative impact of multiple victimizatio n experiences has not been addressed. Subjects were recruited from psy chological clinics and community advocacy agencies. Additionally, a no nclinical undergraduate student sample was evaluated. The results of t his study indicate not only that victimization and revictimization exp eriences are frequent, but also that the level of trauma specific symp toms are significantly related to the number of different types of rep orted victimization experiences. The research and clinical implication s of these findings are discussed.