Schnyder
Fakultäten » Medizinische Fakultät » Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinik für » Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schnyder » Schnyder
Current research project
| Title / Titel | Child Sexual Abuse in Switzerland - The Optimus Study | ||||||||
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| Abstract (PDF, 14 KB) | |||||||||
| Summary / Zusammenfassung | Aims and hypotheses: We are carrying out a comprehensive study of the lifetime prevalence and annual incidence of CSA and other victimizations, including polyvictimization, of children and adolescents in Switzerland. We expect lifetime prevalences of CSA of 12-15% in girls, and 3-5% in boys, and annual incidences of new cases of CSA of 2% in girls, and 0.5% in boys. Approximately 90-95% of perpetrators are expected to be males. About 70-80% will be related or acquainted with the abused child or adolescent. We hypothesize that most sexually abused children have also experienced other kinds of victimization such as physical trauma or neglect. Furthermore, we expect victimization, particularly CSA, to be associated with impaired mental and physical health, academic performance, and quality of life, and increased use of psychoactive substances. Methods: First, we will perform a cross-sectional national epidemiological survey, collecting three school-based, representative samples of children/adolescents attending 5th, 7th, and 9th grade (approximately ages 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15). Psychological and physical health, academic performance, quality of life, and psychoactive substance use, and their associa-tions with CSA and other forms of victimization will be assessed, using internationally estab-lished definitions of CSA and other forms of victimization, including polyvictimization, as well as internationally validated instruments. Secondly, a separate sample of the adolescents will be recruited for in-depth interviews. Thirdly, we will collect official data on cases of CSA re-ported to Swiss authorities such as the police, legal authorities, educational authorities, public health officials, and health care institutions including child protection groups of children’s hospitals. We will adopt a culturally sensitive approach, ensuring that the re-search design can be applied in other countries with minor adaptations only. Current state of research: Data collection finished, a first publication (systematic review) published. Data analysis under way. Multiple research papers in preparation. Preliminary results were presented at conferences in Honolulu (ISPCAN), Montreal (ISTSS), Vienna (ESTSS), and Baltimore (ISTSS). |
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| Publications / Publikationen | Schönbucher V, Maier T, Held L, Mohler-Kuo M, Schnyder U, Landolt MA (2011) Prevalence of child sexual abuse in Switzerland: a systematic review. Swiss Medical Weekly 140, w13123 (doi:10.4414/smw.2011.13123) | ||||||||
| Keywords / Suchbegriffe | Trauma; Child Sexual Abuse; PTSD; Polyvictimization; Optimus Study | ||||||||
| Project leadership and contacts / Projektleitung und Kontakte |
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| Other links to external web pages | http://www.psychiatrie.usz.ch | ||||||||
| Funding source(s) / Unterstützt durch |
Foundation UBS Optimus Foundation |
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| In collaboration with / In Zusammenarbeit mit |
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| Duration of Project / Projektdauer | May 2008 to Apr 2013 |