Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive problem impacting a broad range of mental health outcomes. Previous research has shown that spiritual and religious (S/R) factors both positively and negatively relate to mental health issues among survivors of CSA, but mediating mechanisms of effect are unclear. The present study examined CSA, anxiety, depression, and positive/negative religious coping among 372 Jewish community members with and without CSA histories. Individuals who experienced CSA endorsed significantly higher anxiety and depression as well as negative religious coping than those without CSA. Negative religious coping mediated the relationship between CSA and anxiety and depression. We discuss clinical and social implications of these findings, including the need to address S/R factors in treatment of CSA, especially within religious communities. Further research examining abuser identity, survivors’ disclosure experience, and other S/R mediators of effect is warranted.

儿童性虐待 (CSA) 是一个普遍存在的问题，影响着广泛的心理健康结果。先前的研究表明，精神和宗教 (S/R) 因素与 CSA 幸存者的心理健康问题正负相关，但影响的中介机制尚不清楚。本研究检查了 372 名有和没有 CSA 历史的犹太社区成员的 CSA、焦虑、抑郁和积极/消极的宗教应对。与没有 CSA 的人相比，经历过 CSA 的人明显更高的焦虑和抑郁以及消极的宗教应对。消极的宗教应对在 CSA 与焦虑和抑郁之间起中介作用。我们讨论了这些发现的临床和社会意义，包括解决 CSA 治疗中的 S/R 因素的必要性，尤其是在宗教社区内。有必要进一步研究检查施虐者身份、幸存者的披露经验和其他 S/R 影响因素。