Youth sexual exploitation on the internet: DSM-IV diagnoses and gender differences in co-occurring mental health issues

Authors

Melissa Wells, University of New HampshireFollow
Kimberly J. Mitchell, University of New Hampshire - Main CampusFollow

Abstract

This paper explores conventional (non-Internet-related) mental health issues and DSM-IV diagnoses seen among a sample of 512 youth receiving mental health services for an Internet-related problem, with particular attention to victims of online sexual exploitation. Youth victims of online sexual exploitation were more likely to have a post-traumatic stress disorder than youth with other Internet-related problems. Specific attention was given to differences among subgroups of female and male youth victims of online sexual exploitation as compared with same-gender youth with other Internet-related problems. Findings suggest the importance of including Internet use and victimization as part of a standard clinical assessment.

Department

Social Work

Publication Date

6-2007

Journal Title

Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal

Publisher

Springer

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s10560-007-0083-z

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

ells, M., Mitchell, K.J. Youth sexual exploitation on the internet: DSM-IV diagnoses and gender differences in co-occurring mental health issues. (2007) Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 24 (3), pp. 235-260.

Rights

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007.