This study reports results from follow-up interviews with 301
women aged 18-44 years who were first identified 2 years earlier in a
cross-sectional study of 1498 adults in the general population of the
city of Christchurch, New Zealand. The prevalence of intrafamilial
sexual abuse was 13%. This incestuous sexual abuse in childhood was
associated with an increase in many adult mental symptoms,
particularly symptoms of depression, bulimia and generalized
anxiety. In this community study the consequences associated with
sexual abuse within the family appear to be widespread and not very
specific, and show as additional comorbidity rather than as increased
severity within a disorder. These results do not support the strong
direct causal effects postulated in some theories derived from
clinical studies.