A Population-Based Study of Childhood Sexual Contact in Urban China: Prevalence and Long-Term Consequences

Ye Luo, University of Chicago
William L. Parish, University of Chicago
Edward O. Laumann, University of Chicago

This study provides national estimate of the prevalence of childhood sexual contact and its long-term effects on sexual and general well-being among urban adults in China. A national stratified probability sample of 1,519 women and 1,475 men aged 20 to 64 years in urban China were interviewed between August 1999 and August 2000 and completed a computer-administered survey. The overall prevalence rate was 4.2% with the rate slightly higher among adult men than adult women (5.1% versus 3.3%) and higher among those aged 20-29 years (8.3%) than the other age groups. The consequences of childhood sexual contact for sexual well-bell are bimodal leading both to heightened eroticism or sexuality and to more sexual problems. Childhood sexual contact also increases psychological distress, which is largely mediated by victimization in later sexual history, sexual problems and heightened sexual involvements.