Graduation Year
2021
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Thesis Advisor
Patricia Harris, PhD, RN, CNS
Abstract
Childhood development is a crucial component in the life of any individual. Any disturbances or abnormalities present during childhood may cause adverse outcomes later in life. Nurses play a pivotal role as the patient’s advocate and even more importantly, they are the last line of defense in all aspects of care. Therefore, gaining deeper insight into the patient’s histories is vitally important to nurses as they work to ensure the best health outcomes. For this investigation, nursing science students focused on the detrimental effects that childhood sexual abuse has on the mental and physical development throughout the aging process. After conducting a literature review, the researchers discerned the lack of evidence on childhood sexual abuse and males. Due to this observation, a pilot study focusing on males aged six to 16 and the early timing of puberty is proposed.