Running head: FINAL PROJECT 1
SOCW 6111 Week 10 Assignment
Racquel Walsh
Walden University
FINAL PROJECT 2
According to Vibhakar and colleagues, the leading causes of disability amongst the
children and adolescent population are depression. This can be said to be especially true for
children and adolescents who have witnessed or experienced some form of trauma. Physical
abuse, sexual abuse, death, or being a witness to a traumatic event are all examples of events of
traumatic events. There is research indicating that children and adolescents that have
experienced some form of trauma event are 2.6 times more likely than others to be diagnosed
with major depression. (Vibhakar et. al, 2019).
There is a clear link between sexual abuse and depression. It has been said and noted that
children and adolescents that are exposed to sexual abuse are likely to experience high levels of
shame, helplessness, and guilt (Sekowski et al 2020). Children and adolescents are more likely to
experience sexual abuse at the hands of a family member or friend versus a stranger. This type of
relationship can cause the child or adolescent to experience feelings of hopelessness being as
though the child adolescent is dependent on the abuser and has trust in the abuser as well. Feeling
helpless can in turn cause the child or adolescent to have feelings of shame and guilt (Sekowski et
al 2020). It is perceived that these feelings being mentioned can be a result of the child or
adolescent’s inability and difficulty with understanding and processing how the sexual abuse has
caused damage to the relationship that he/she once had with his/her abuser. Such inability and
difficulty can cause the child or adolescent to develop feelings of helplessness, shame, and guilt
that inward to become stronger. (Sekowski et al 2020). The feelings being mentioned growing
stronger can eventually lead to an increase in suicidal behaviors and depression (Sekowski 2020).
There can be a devastating impact on the child or adolescent if his/her depression persists and
