Thirty-nine girls aged 6 to 12 participated in this study, each
having been referred for evaluation of suspected child sexual
abuse. The study investigated the prevalence of depression in the
sample as well as the relationship of depressive symptoms to severity
of abuse and potential mediator variables. The Child Behaviour
Checklist and Child Depression Inventory were used to asses the
severity of depression. A composite score for severity of abuse was
derived from child disclosure and medical findings. Results indicated
that 67% of the children could be classified as experiencing symptoms
consistent with a diagnosis of depression. Severity of abuse was not
significantly correlated with depression intensity scores. Stepwise
regression analyses revealed that a high number of stressful life
events and low IQ were significant predictors of depression
scores. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.