Understanding the Narratives of Child Sexual Abuse.

This qualitative study consisted of in-depth, retrospective interviews with participants over the age of 18 who experienced child sexual abuse. Through narrative analysis, study findings shed light on three overall findings: the perception of memories, the perception of grooming, and the perception of the lived lives of child sexual abuse survivors. Findings suggest that the narratives elicited from the participants included current views but also past experiences and anticipation about the future, including individual and societal levels of meaning. These narratives are furthermore entangled and inexorably linked - temporally, culturally, generationally, materially, and emotionally - and the results are thus presented from a holistic perspective. Study findings help explain the complex dimensions concerning the lived experiences of child sexual abuse. As such, this research speaks to the field of social and health care practitioners working with children and families facing the complex phenomenon of child sexual abuse.

Traumatic Autobiographical Memories: Preliminary fMRI Findings Among Men With Histories of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with autobiographical memory (AM) disturbances. AM is important for future thinking, sense of self, and coping with negative emotions. CSA is under-researched among men, with research examining long-term neural correlates limited even further. This study explored the neural correlates of re-experiencing traumatic/negative memories to examine the influence of CSA on AM into adulthood. Fifteen males who experienced CSA, with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; CSA+PTSD, n = 6; CSA-PTSD, n = 9) and control males without CSA histories nor PTSD (n = 11) completed a script-driven imagery paradigm during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Males with CSA histories, with and without PTSD, processed their negative autobiographical memories with less activation compared to control males. The CSA+PTSD group of males had less activation in the left superior occipital, left superior parietal and left parahippocampal gyri compared to control participants. The CSA-PTSD group had reduced activation in the same regions to a lesser extent. This study provides preliminary empirical evidence to suggest CSA impacts AM for traumatic experiences, and the impact is notable even for men who experienced CSA but do not have PTSD. This study highlights the need for more research with men who have experienced CSA, so that, we can fully understand the neural correlates of emotional memories, and better support the mental health and continued wellness of men who experienced CSA.

Mental imagery in adolescent PTSD patients after child abuse: a comparison with matched healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Intrusive mental imagery (MI) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Evidence on the characteristics of MI in adolescents suffering from PTSD is sparse. The aim of this study was to thoroughly assess MI in an adolescent sample suffering from PTSD after the experience of childhood sexual abuse and/or childhood physical abuse (CA). METHODS: Thirty-two adolescents with a primary diagnosis of PTSD after CA and 32 adolescents without any mental disorder and without a history of CA, matched for age and gender, completed questionnaires assessing the characteristics of negative and positive MI, as well as images of injury and death that lead to positive emotions (ID-images). RESULTS: The PTSD group reported significantly more frequent, more vivid, more distressing and more strongly autobiographically linked negative MI compared to the control group. Although positive MI was highly present in both groups (PTSD: 65.6%; controls: 71.9%), no significant differences emerged between the two groups regarding the distinct characteristics of positive MI. The frequency of the ID-images did not significantly differ between the two groups (PTSD: 21.9%; controls: 9.4%), although the ID-images were more vivid in the PTSD group. DISCUSSION: Negative MI appears to be crucial in adolescent PTSD, whilst positive MI are unexpectedly common in both the PTSD and the control group. The role of positive MI as well as that of ID-images remain unclear. Specific interventions for changing negative MI that are tailored to the developmental challenges in adolescents with PTSD should be developed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Some of the PTSD patients in this study were also part of a randomized controlled trial on Developmentally adapted Cognitive Processing Therapy (D-CPT). This trial was registered at the German Clinical Trial Registry (GCTR), DRKS00004787 , 18 March 2013.

An observational study of Internet behaviours for adolescent females following sexual abuse.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with revictimization and sexual risk-taking behaviours. The Internet has increased the opportunities for teens to access sexually explicit imagery and has provided new avenues for victimization and exploitation. Online URL activity and offline psychosocial factors were assessed for 460 females aged 12-16 (CSA = 156; comparisons = 304) with sexual behaviours and Internet-initiated victimization assessed 2 years later. Females who experienced CSA did not use more pornography than comparisons but were at increased odds of being cyberbullied (odds ratio = 2.84, 95% confidence interval = 1.67-4.81). These females were also more likely to be represented in a high-risk latent profile characterized by heightened URL activity coupled with problematic psychosocial factors, which showed increased odds of being cyberbullied, receiving online sexual solicitations and heightened sexual activity. While Internet activity alone may not confer risk, results indicate a subset of teens who have experienced CSA for whom both online and offline factors contribute to problematic outcomes.

Assessing the Extent to Which Art Therapy Can Be Used with Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Thematic Analysis of Published Studies.

In a 2015-2016 UK survey of 35, 248 adults, 7% reported experiencing sexual abuse as children. This review considers the value of Art Therapy (AT) in recognizing individual needs and experiences and supporting victims to manage the lasting impact of abuse. Three main bodies of research were identified: the use of AT in childhood sexual abuse (CSA) investigations; the use of art therapy in the treatment of the psychological sequelae of CSA victims in childhood and adulthood; and an assessment of how art therapy compares to other therapeutic approaches for CSA victims. The review highlights that AT particularly benefits rapport building between victim and therapist/investigator, and alleviates some psychological consequences of sexual abuse - particularly anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and dissociation. By engaging the limbic system, AT may also provide a communicative form, building a narrative where verbal communication is hindered. However, the analysis brings attention to several weaknesses in the current AT research: available studies tend to have small sample sizes and few quantitative findings. This review concludes by identifying the need for research which considers the clinical implications of AT in CSA cases for the future.

Tratamiento de acupuntura complementario al acompañamiento psicológico de recuperación emocional en secuelas del trauma de abuso sexual infantil en usuarias de la Fundación Aguas Bravas Nicaragua, en el período de Septiembre-Noviembre 2021 / Acupuncture treatment complementary to psychological support for emotional recovery in the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse trauma in users of the Aguas Bravas Nicaragua Foundation, in the period of September-November 2021

En esta investigación se visualizan las consecuencias mentales y físicas del abuso sexual y la efectividad del tratamiento de acupuntura como un complemento y método resolutivo para la estabilidad de las mujeres sobrevivientes de abuso sexual. Se considera un aporte para ser considerado en tratamientos a futuro con un enfoque holístico e integral

This research visualizes the mental and physical consequences of sexual abuse and the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment as a complement and resolution method for the stability of women survivors of sexual abuse. It is considered a contribution to be considered in future treatments with a holistic and comprehensive approach

Sexual Assault in Adolescents.

Child sexual abuse is a severely underreported crime in the United States. The consequences of child sexual abuse extend beyond physical injury, including an increased likelihood to develop chronic physical and mental diseases/disorders, including substance abuse and suicide. Care involves trauma-informed screening, assessment, and documentation, education of, and access to sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis and emergency contraception, safety interventions, and access to community resources. Medical providers should know the response process their facility, community, and state practices for victims of sexual abuse. Acknowledging and responding to victims of sexual abuse as a multidisciplinary team will ensure comprehensive care for the patient.

Featured Counter-Trafficking Program: ARPAN.

This invited article is one of several comprising part of a special issue of Child Abuse and Neglect focused on child trafficking and health. The purpose of each invited article is to describe a specific program serving trafficked children. Featuring these programs is intended to raise awareness of innovative counter-trafficking strategies emerging worldwide and facilitate collaboration on program development and outcomes research. This article describes a long-term psychotherapeutic intervention started by Arpan in 2010, in an institution named Advait Foundation. Advait runs a rehabilitation home, Project Baharati, in Vasai, Mumbai, India. Project Bharati serves adolescent females who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. The psychotherapeutic intervention uses group and individual therapy, employing trauma-focused cognitive behavioral and arts-based therapeutic techniques.

Assessing Children's Credibility in Courtroom Investigations of Alleged Child Sexual Abuse: Suggestibility, Plausibility, and Consistency.

As children's testimonies of child sexual abuse (CSA) often lack concrete evidence to corroborate a child's claims, attorneys devote a substantial amount of time to establishing a child as credible during the course of a trial. Examining 134 CSA victim testimonies for children aged 5-17 (M = 12.48, SD = 3.34; 90% female), we explored how attorneys assess child credibility through specifically targeting children's suggestibility/honesty, plausibility, and consistency. Results revealed that while prosecutors examine plausibility more often to establish credibility, defense attorneys focus their assessments on suggestibility/honesty and potential inconsistency. However, both attorneys asked many more questions about children's consistency than any other area of potential credibility. Furthermore, while prosecutors ask proportionally more credibility-challenging questions of older children, the defense do not. These results suggest that prosecutors may be missing an opportunity to establish children as honest and consistent and elucidate a need to train attorneys on the implications of children's inconsistencies, suggestibility, and plausible abuse dynamics.

Featured counter-trafficking program: Kolkata Sanved's model Sampoornata.

This invited article is one of several comprising part of a special issue of Child Abuse and Neglect focused on child trafficking and health. The purpose of each invited article is to describe a specific program serving trafficked children. Featuring these programs is intended to raise awareness of innovative counter-trafficking strategies emerging worldwide and facilitate collaboration on program development and outcomes research. This article describes Kolkata Sanvedan India-based organization dedicated to utilizing a special form of dance movement therapy (DMT), Sampoornata, as a form of trauma therapy for survivors of trafficking and sexual violence. The Sampoornata model has been employed to promote healing and wellbeing through integration in the individual's social framework and encouraging comprehensive wellbeing.

Descubrimiento del abuso sexual del niño: revelación o silencio / Discovery of the Sexual Abuse of the Child: Revelation or Silence

Introducción: Conocer que la madre es el eje primordial de protección y afecto en el vínculo familiar es relevante, así como la importancia que juega ella y el padre en el vínculo afectivo con el niño en la recuperación, protección y apoyo postraumático de un abuso sexual. Objetivo: Describir los procesos y significados de la experiencia vivida por los padres o cuidadores primarios frente al descubrimiento del abuso sexual de sus hijos. Método: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, con abordaje metodológico cualitativo y cuantitativo del discurso del sujeto colectivo. Se realizó una entrevista a 60 padres o cuidadores primarios no perpetradores del abuso los municipios de Cajicá y Tabio de Bogotá-Colombia. El procesamiento y análisis cuantitativo fue realizado con el software Qualiquantisoft. Resultados: El discurso de mayor prevalencia por los entrevistados fue la relación entre padres o cuidador e hijo (45,7 por ciento, n = 43), fomentar la confianza, el diálogo, escuchar a los niños, dedicar mayor tiempo y cuidado a los hijos. El papel que juega la red de apoyo en la protección y justicia fue señalado como importante por el 29 por ciento (n = 32) de los sujetos que participaron en la investigación. Conclusiones: Las niñas son con mayor frecuencia víctimas de abuso sexual. Por lo general, se trataba de familias monoparentales, con necesidad de dejar a su hijo bajo el cuidado de un pariente, amigo o vecino. Cuando el abuso se perpetra por individuos con fuertes lazos afectivos, es mayor el impacto en la salud emocional, cognitiva y comportamental del niño. La credibilidad, los comportamientos y las medidas de protección que los padres o cuidadores primarios asumen, son directrices esenciales para el proceso de la revelación del abuso sexual y un medio que favorece la elaboración positiva de la experiencia traumática en el niño(AU)

Objective: This research analyzes how parents or primary caregivers describe the processes and meanings of lived experience toward the discovery of sexual abuse of their children. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study with methodological approach the Collective Subject Discourse-DSC. Individual interview with 60 parents or caregivers that were not perpetrators was conducted, in the municipalities of Cajica and Tabio de Bogotá- Colombia. The empirical data were analyzed using the Collective Subject Discourse (DCS), based on the Theory of Social Representations, which makes possible the emergence of social representations by constructing collective discourses. The data were Qualitative processed and analyzed in the Qualiquantisoft software, which is associated with the DSC method. Results: The most significant discourse identify by interviewed was the relationship between parents, primary caregivers and child (45,74 percent, n=43), they emphasize in improving the role as parents, through trustfulness, the dialogue, listen out, taking care of the children and spending more time with them; they also considered important the support role of the protection and justice network (29 percent, n=32). Conclusions: The credibility, the behaviors and the protection measures that the parents or primary caregivers assume, are essential guidelines for the process of disclosure of the sexual abuse and provides an environment that enables a positive development of the traumatic experience in the child. It is important to emphasize the role played by the professionals involved in these cases, because comprehensive care to reduce the long-term consequences depends on their attitude, support and management(AU)

Descubrimiento del abuso sexual del niño: revelación o silencio / Discovery of the Sexual Abuse of the Child: Revelation or Silence

Introducción: Conocer que la madre es el eje primordial de protección y afecto en el vínculo familiar es relevante, así como la importancia que juega ella y el padre en el vínculo afectivo con el niño en la recuperación, protección y apoyo postraumático de un abuso sexual. Objetivo: Describir los procesos y significados de la experiencia vivida por los padres o cuidadores primarios frente al descubrimiento del abuso sexual de sus hijos. Método: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, con abordaje metodológico cualitativo y cuantitativo del discurso del sujeto colectivo. Se realizó una entrevista a 60 padres o cuidadores primarios no perpetradores del abuso los municipios de Cajicá y Tabio de Bogotá-Colombia. El procesamiento y análisis cuantitativo fue realizado con el software Qualiquantisoft. Resultados: El discurso de mayor prevalencia por los entrevistados fue la relación entre padres o cuidador e hijo (45,7 por ciento, n = 43), fomentar la confianza, el diálogo, escuchar a los niños, dedicar mayor tiempo y cuidado a los hijos. El papel que juega la red de apoyo en la protección y justicia fue señalado como importante por el 29 por ciento (n = 32) de los sujetos que participaron en la investigación. Conclusiones: Las niñas son con mayor frecuencia víctimas de abuso sexual. Por lo general, se trataba de familias monoparentales, con necesidad de dejar a su hijo bajo el cuidado de un pariente, amigo o vecino. Cuando el abuso se perpetra por individuos con fuertes lazos afectivos, es mayor el impacto en la salud emocional, cognitiva y comportamental del niño. La credibilidad, los comportamientos y las medidas de protección que los padres o cuidadores primarios asumen, son directrices esenciales para el proceso de la revelación del abuso sexual y un medio que favorece la elaboración positiva de la experiencia traumática en el niño(AU)

Objective: This research analyzes how parents or primary caregivers describe the processes and meanings of lived experience toward the discovery of sexual abuse of their children. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study with methodological approach the Collective Subject Discourse-DSC. Individual interview with 60 parents or caregivers that were not perpetrators was conducted, in the municipalities of Cajica and Tabio de Bogotá- Colombia. The empirical data were analyzed using the Collective Subject Discourse (DCS), based on the Theory of Social Representations, which makes possible the emergence of social representations by constructing collective discourses. The data were Qualitative processed and analyzed in the Qualiquantisoft software, which is associated with the DSC method. Results: The most significant discourse identify by interviewed was the relationship between parents, primary caregivers and child (45,74 percent, n=43), they emphasize in improving the role as parents, through trustfulness, the dialogue, listen out, taking care of the children and spending more time with them; they also considered important the support role of the protection and justice network (29 percent, n=32). Conclusions: The credibility, the behaviors and the protection measures that the parents or primary caregivers assume, are essential guidelines for the process of disclosure of the sexual abuse and provides an environment that enables a positive development of the traumatic experience in the child. It is important to emphasize the role played by the professionals involved in these cases, because comprehensive care to reduce the long-term consequences depends on their attitude, support and management(AU)

[Inpatient Treatment of Complex PTSD Following Childhood Abuse: Effectiveness and Predictors of Treatment Outcome]. / Stationäre Therapie der komplexen PTBS in Folge körperlicher oder sexualisierter Gewalt in der Kindheit: Wirksamkeit und Prädiktoren des Behandlungsverlaufs.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies investigating the effectiveness of inpatient trauma-focused psychotherapy of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. The first aim of this retrospective investigation was to analyze the course of PTSD. Second, possible predictors of treatment response were investigated. METHODS: 150 inpatients of Clinic St. Irmingard with complex PTSD following childhood physical and childhood sexual abuse were assessed regarding childhood abuse, PTSD symptomatology, mindfulness, dissociation and general psychopathology. Differences in pre and post scores were analyzed using regression analyses. A classification tree was used to identify predictors of response. RESULTS: The significant reduction of PTSD symptoms corresponded to a large effect (d=1.8) and a reponse rate of 52% according to the reliable change index (p<0.05). Effect sizes for other symptoms were medium to large (0.5

Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men: Implications for Assessment and Treatment of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Emerging adulthood (EA) is a developmental period marked by unique challenges that affect health including burgeoning occupational, relational, and financial stability; and increased risk taking in terms of sexual behavior(s) and substance use. Data were collected from 296 HIV-uninfected sexual minority men with childhood sexual abuse (CSA) histories. We analyzed baseline assessment data from a multisite randomized controlled trial that tested the efficaciousness of an experimental psychosocial treatment and examined vulnerabilities known to be linked with CSA. Our analyses compared EA sexual minority men, aged 18-29, with older sexual minority men (OSMM) on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health and substance use outcomes. We found higher odds of PTSD, odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, 95% CI [0.33, 0.96]; panic disorder or panic disorder with agoraphobia, OR = 0.36, 95% CI [0.16, 0.85]; and cocaine use, OR = 0.50, 95% CI [0.25, 0.97], among OSMM and higher odds of alcohol intoxication, OR = 5.60, 95% CI [3.20, 9.82]; cannabis use, OR = 3.09, 95% CI [1.83, 5.21]; and non-HIV sexually transmitted infections, OR = 3.03, 95% CI [1.29, 7.13], among the EA men. These results present a complex picture of health risks among sexual minority men in general and EA sexual minority men in particular. HIV seroconversion linked health risk behaviors, among sexual minority men, may be better addressed via increased attention to treating trauma and comorbid mental health and substance use problems using evidence-based psychosocial assessments and integrated treatment platforms that are tailored to this population.

Estrategias de persuasión percibidas por adolescentes en situaciones de engaño pederasta por Internet (online grooming) / Persuasion strategies perceived by adolescents in situations of online grooming

El engaño pederasta por Internet (online grooming) es el proceso por el cual un adulto consigue victimizar sexualmente a un menor valiéndose de los medios que ofrece Internet. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la prevalencia de las estrategias de persuasión e influencia utilizadas por adultos para manipular e involucrar a menores en el engaño pederasta por Internet, así como las diferencias atendiendo al sexo. Inicialmente, 2731 adolescentes de entre 12 y 15 años (50,6% chicas) completaron un cuestionario sobre solicitudes e interacciones sexuales con adultos y otro sobre persuasión basado en los principios de influencia de Cialdini (2001). 408 Menores (14,9%) se vieron implicados en el engaño pederasta durante el último año (61,3% mujeres; edad media= 14,23; DT= 0,92). Se encontró una utilización altamente frecuente de los principios de influencia, siendo el más experimentado el principio de simpatía (hasta un 50,9%). Las chicas experimentaron más frecuentemente todos los principios excepto el de autoridad, en el que no hubo diferencias. Estos hallazgos proporcionan información útil para entender y prevenir la victimización sexual de los menores en Internet

Online grooming is the process by which an adult sexually victimizes a minor using the means offered by the Internet. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of persuasion and influence strategies used by aggressors to manipulate and involve minors in online grooming, as well as gender differences. The initial sample consisted of 2731 adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age (50.6% girls) who completed a questionnaire on sexual solicitations and interactions with adults and another on persuasion based on the principles of influence of Cialdini (2001). 408 Minors (14.9%) were involved in grooming during the previous year (61.3% girls, mean age= 14.23, DT= 0.92). It was found a highly frequent use of the principles of influence, being the principle of sympathy the most experienced (up to 50.9%). Girls experienced more frequently all the principles of influence except the principle of authority, in which there were no gender differences. These findings provide useful information for understanding and preventing sexual victimization of minors on the Internet

Ritualistic child sexual abuse in post-conflict Eastern DRC: Factors associated with the phenomenon and implications for social work.

Ritualistic child sexual abuse (RCSA) is a critical and under-recognised form of child maltreatment prevailing in developing countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), children from specific communities suffer complex forms of RCSA perpetrated with extreme brutality by various individuals and groups of conspirators. Although the DRC has achieved significant milestones towards combatting war-related sexual abuse of women and children, disturbing forms of RCSA, notably child kidnapping, rape, child defilement for fetish and superstitious beliefs, child sexual exploitation, and cult-based child marriage persist and affect many victims. This study examines the factors associated with the resurgence of RCSA in post-conflict eastern DRC. The article also discusses the implications of such forms of abuse for social work practice and education in a post-war context.

Betrayal of the Body: Group Approaches to Hypo-Sexuality for Adult Female Sufferers of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Hypo-sexuality, self-reported hypoactive sexual desire and/or sexual aversion, is a common symptom experienced by women who were victims of childhood sexual abuse. This symptom may be distressing to the patient herself, and may place strain on her romantic relationships in adulthood. Unfortunately, this problem often remains undiscussed between patient and provider, in part due to the provider's lack of comfort or knowledge regarding how best to address this issue. In this article, we explore several strategies that providers may employ in a group setting in order to help women realize their sexuality while minimizing untoward side effects such as feelings of guilt or shame, or flashbacks. We highlight the merits of each technique, and provide insights from clinical experience to guide practitioners to help their patients facing this difficult issue.

Phase-based treatment versus immediate trauma-focused treatment in patients with childhood trauma-related posttraumatic stress disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to a history of sexual and/or physical abuse in childhood is the subject of international debate, with some favouring a phase-based approach as their preferred treatment, while others argue for immediate trauma-focused treatment. A history of (chronic) traumatisation during childhood has been linked to the development of distinct symptoms that are often labelled as symptoms of complex PTSD. Many therapists associate the presence of symptoms of complex PTSD with a less favourable treatment prognosis. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a phase-based approach is more effective than stand-alone trauma-focused therapy in individuals with PTSD and possible symptoms of complex PTSD resulting from a history of repeated sexual and/or physical abuse in childhood. An additional aim is to investigate moderators, predictors of treatment (non) response and drop-out. METHOD: The sample consists of patients between 18 and 65 years old with a diagnosis of PTSD who report a history of repeated sexual and/or physical abuse in childhood (N = 122). Patients will be blindly allocated to either 16 sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy preceded by a stabilization phase (eight sessions of Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR)) or only 16 sessions of EMDR therapy. Assessments are carried out pre-treatment, after every eighth session, post-treatment, and at 3 and 6 months follow up. The main parameter will be the severity of PTSD symptoms (PTSD Symptoms Scale-Self Report). Secondary outcome variables are the presence of a PTSD diagnosis (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5), severity of complex PTSD symptoms (Structured Interview for Disorders of Extreme Stress-Revised and symptoms-specific questionnaires), changes in symptoms of general psychopathology (Brief Symptom Inventory), and quality of life (Euroqol-5D). Health care consumption and productivity loss in patients will also be indexed. DISCUSSION: The study results may help to inform the ongoing debate about whether a phase-based approach has added value over immediate trauma-focused therapy in patients suffering from PTSD due to childhood abuse. Furthermore, the results will contribute to knowledge about the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of treatments in this target group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Nederlands Trialregister, NTR5991 . Registered on 23 august 2016. http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=5991.

Effects of childhood trauma exposure and cortisol levels on cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors.

Cognitive functioning difficultiesin breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are common, but not all women experience these impairments. Exposure to childhood trauma may impair cognitive functioning following chemotherapy, and these impairments may be mediated by dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and cortisol slope. This study evaluated the association between childhood trauma exposure, cortisol, and cognition in a sample of breast cancer survivors. 56 women completed measures of trauma exposure (the Traumatic Events Survey), salivary cortisol, and self-reported cognitive functioning (the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cognitive). We examined correlations between childhood trauma exposure and cognitive functioning, then used linear regression to control for factors associated with cognition (age, education, time since chemotherapy, depression, anxiety, and insomnia), and the MacArthur approach to test whether cortisol levels mediated the relationship between trauma and cognitive functioning. 57.1% of the sample had experienced at least one traumatic event in childhood, with 19.6% of the sample witnessing a serious injury, 17.9% experiencing physical abuse, and 14.3% experiencing sexual abuse. Childhood trauma exposure and cognitive functioning were moderately associated (r=-0.29). This association remained even when controlling for other factors associated with cognition; the final model explained 47% of the variance in cognitive functioning. The association between childhood trauma and cognitive functioning was mediated by steeper cortisol slope (partial r=0.35, p=0.02). Childhood trauma exposure is associated with self-reported cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors and is mediated by cortisol dysregulation. Trauma should be considered, among other factors, in programs aiming to address cognition in this population.