Object Relations Disturbances in Sexually Abused Males

The relationship between object relations and child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and separation from parents was investigated in a clinical sample of 120 adult males with a history of sexual abuse, using the Bell Object Relations Reality Testing Inventory. Variables included gender of and relationship to perpetrator, age of onset, severity, frequency, duration, and number of abusers. Males with a history of abuse demonstrated greater object relations disturbances than the norm, scoring significantly higher on all object relations subscales. Disturbances in object relations were predicted by several sexual abuse variables, including abuse by a male, by both a male and female, by a relative, and by a stranger; and duration, frequency, and severity of abuse. Specific object relations problems were predicted by different patterns of sexual abuse. The implications of findings are discussed in relation to object relations theory, clinical applications for male victims, and future research.