"I did not feel the need to disclose": identifying factors impeding the disclosure of child abuse experiences in a population with maltreatment history.
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| Title: | "I did not feel the need to disclose": identifying factors impeding the disclosure of child abuse experiences in a population with maltreatment history. |
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| Authors: | Vik Burmo, Oda (AUTHOR), Skilbrei Bøen, Kristine (AUTHOR), Hysing, Mari (AUTHOR), Dovran, Anders (AUTHOR), Kjørstad, Kaia (AUTHOR), Hafstad, Gertrud Sofie (AUTHOR), Sivertsen, Børge (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Nordic Psychology. Jun2026, Vol. 78 Issue 2, p169-186. 18p. |
| Subjects: | Nondisclosure, Child abuse, Reporting of child abuse, Computer sex, Abused children, Offenses against the person, Social networks |
| Abstract: | Background: Child abuse has profound short-term and long-term consequences. Despite this, many children and adolescents do not disclose their experiences. The present study explores several dimensions of disclosure of child abuse among adolescents, including rates of disclosure, reasons for not disclosing, availability of trusted confidants, and preferences for confidants. Methods: A sample of 200 adolescents (aged 12-18 years old) was recruited from the Stine Sofie Centre, a facility dedicated to supporting children and adolescents exposed to child maltreatment. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire that collected information on their experiences and attitudes toward disclosure. Results: The findings indicate that online sexual abuse had the lowest disclosure rate at 67.3%. The most frequently reported reason for non-disclosure of abuse, regardless of type, was a lack of perceived need to disclose, reported by 36% of respondents. Among the adolescents, 82.4% reported having an adult they trusted and could confide in about mistreatment at home. Mothers were most frequently identified as trusted confidants, followed by friends. Conclusions: The study highlights significant barriers that prevent adolescents who have experienced abuse from disclosing it. The tendency to withhold disclosure due to a lack of perceived need highlights a critical area for intervention to encourage more open communication and support for this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Background: Child abuse has profound short-term and long-term consequences. Despite this, many children and adolescents do not disclose their experiences. The present study explores several dimensions of disclosure of child abuse among adolescents, including rates of disclosure, reasons for not disclosing, availability of trusted confidants, and preferences for confidants. Methods: A sample of 200 adolescents (aged 12-18 years old) was recruited from the Stine Sofie Centre, a facility dedicated to supporting children and adolescents exposed to child maltreatment. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire that collected information on their experiences and attitudes toward disclosure. Results: The findings indicate that online sexual abuse had the lowest disclosure rate at 67.3%. The most frequently reported reason for non-disclosure of abuse, regardless of type, was a lack of perceived need to disclose, reported by 36% of respondents. Among the adolescents, 82.4% reported having an adult they trusted and could confide in about mistreatment at home. Mothers were most frequently identified as trusted confidants, followed by friends. Conclusions: The study highlights significant barriers that prevent adolescents who have experienced abuse from disclosing it. The tendency to withhold disclosure due to a lack of perceived need highlights a critical area for intervention to encourage more open communication and support for this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 19012276 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/19012276.2025.2502915 |
