Date of Conferral

12-27-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Thomas McLaughlin

Abstract

National reported rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown were significantly lower than expected. This quantitative study explored rates of CSA before and after the lockdown for 22 Michigan counties by considering socioeconomic status (SES) demographics to isolate the lockdown’s specific impact on reported CSA rates. The SES of the counties was measured using the Kuppuswamy scale, a numerical compilation of the mean occupation, education, and income of households within a given county. The Social Determinants of Health framework provided a blueprint for understanding the impact of exploring the different socioeconomic variables. This framework also helped illuminate the influence of CSA on the health of individuals residing in the analyzed counties. Victims of CSA must overcome many barriers when faced with the decision of disclosing their abuse to a nonoffending adult. Understanding the barrier that a global pandemic or large-scale crisis poses for a victim of CSA may be of aid to the field of social work when considering the development of professional practice guidelines regarding risk factors and protective factors of CSA. A multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between 2019 and 2021 CSA rates at the county level in Michigan while considering SES scores derived from the Kuppuswamy scale. The results indicated there was a significant difference between the two years, which agreed with the present body of knowledge. The results of this study may help effect positive social change at the county level by highlighting the importance of protecting children during these times of crisis, and in turn, enhancing the overall protection of children in the future.

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