Introduction
In the realm of child protection and welfare, the topic of incest and its connection to conduct disorder in middle-adolescent girls from The Bahamas is a priority (Wilson & Widom, 2010). Like many nations, the Bahamas faces the challenging predicament of addressing the web of familial abuse and the psychological effects it has on young people. The understanding of the interplay between incestuous experiences and resulting behavioral outcomes is essential for the Child Protection Unit (CPU) of The Bahamas to support victims of incest successfully.
This study aims to explore the complex interplay between incest and conduct disorder, particularly among middle-adolescent females in The Bahamas. Through the exploration of this nexus, we seek to highlight the key drivers of conduct disorder in survivors of incestuous abuse, which will inform targeted interventions and strategies within the fields of social work practice, education, research, and policy development.
Additionally, like many countries in the world, the Bahamas is confronting the ongoing challenge of providing a haven for the youth, and the prevalence of incent among middle-adolescent girls exacerbates this complicated process. This process needs a broader societal perspective where social, cultural, and economic factors that can cause traumatic events are considered. To frame this research into a broader discourse about child protection, we aim to lay the foundation for a nuanced understanding of sensitive issues to inform local strategies and contribute to the broader global conversation on intersectionalities concerning child protection.
Problem Statement
The Bahamas, located in the Caribbean, struggles with high rates of incest and familial abuse, which poses significant problems to the mental and emotional health of its youth populace(Yildirim et al., 2014). Statistics demonstrate that the occurrence of experiences of incest among adolescents may be of a worrying proportion, many of whom have symptoms that are associated with characteristics of conduct disorder within the Child Protection Unit (Pérez-Fuentes et al., 2013). Although attention has been drawn to these problems, there remains a critical gap in understanding the specific relationship between incest and conduct disorder among middle-adolescent females in The Bahamas.
The lack of comprehensive research on this population within the Bahamian context hinders effective intervention and support mechanisms (Sonio & Edward, 2023, p. 132). Moreover, the lack of localized data perpetuates misconceptions and undermines the urgency of targeted initiatives that are intended to address the negative impact of incestuous abuse on adolescent development.
Relevance of Study
Social Work Education
In the realm of social work education, the results of this study are relevant to curriculum development and the pedagogical approaches employed to ensure that future practitioners have the requisite knowledge and skills to deal with the menace of familial abuse.
Educators tasked with training social work students should incorporate modules focused on incest, conduct disorder, and trauma-informed care in their curriculum. Through experiential learning opportunities, case studies, and interdisciplinary approaches, educators can cultivate critical thinking and empathy among prospective social workers, thereby equipping them to deal with the complexities inherent in addressing incestuous abuse within diverse cultural contexts (Davenport, 2021, pp. 25-27).
In addition, developing specialized courses and training programs focusing on trauma-informed interventions and forensic social work prepares students with the tools necessary to engage with survivors of incest within the Child Protection Unit setting in a sensitive manner.
Social Work Research
The study is relevant not only to social work and education but also essential for developing research itself. This study also contributes to the current body of knowledge, enriching our understanding of incestuous experiences and conduct disorders. Doing so helps to better understand the processes involved and contributes to the further development of intervention approaches and prevention strategies. This type of social work research is one of many social work studies that serve as pillars rooted in evidence-based practice and support the development of this field by providing valuable insights that can inform future research endeavors.
Social work practice (micro, mezzo, macro)
- Micro Level: Understanding the correlation between incest and conduct disorder is vital at the micro level of social work practice for survivors in the CPU. Social workers play a significantly pivotal role in conducting assessments, offering psychosocial support, and facilitating access to specialized services that best suit the unique needs of affected adolescents.
- Mezzo Level:On the mezzo level, this research contributes to developing collaborative approaches of multidisciplinary teams within the Child Protection Unit. Through collaborative efforts between social workers, psychologists, and medical practitioners, comprehensive care plans can be devised to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of incestuous abuse on adolescent mental health (Ah Hahn, 2013, pp. 160-162).
- Macro Level:At the macro level, insights from the research contribute to the formulation of evidence-based policies and legislative amendments to heighten the protection of adolescents from family abuse. By advocating for systemic changes and resource allocation, social workers can effectuate broader societal shifts conducive to preventing and addressing incestuous abuse within the Bahamian context.
Social welfare policy (laws, policies, amendments)
This study provides implications that extend beyond the academic and professional practice, which are programs and policies that improve child protection in The Bahamas. Guided by the findings, policymakers may develop targeted interventions, support programs, and preventative measures aimed at addressing unique challenges faced by middle adolescent females who have experienced incest (Sutherland, 2016). A research-informed approach to policy formulation ensures that the strategies implemented are grounded in evidence, maximizing their effectiveness in safeguarding the wellbeing of the youth.
Moreover, the inclusion of trauma-informed practices and victim-centered approaches in current policy frameworks provides incest survivors with access to the necessary support and assistance to assist them in their healing process. The changes in child protection laws, guidelines for mandatory reporting, and funding of designated services indicated the interest of policymakers in the wellbeing of at-risk minors within the Child Protection Unit.
Program Development
In the context of program development, the findings of this study are applied to plan interventions that address the multifaceted needs of survivors of incestuous abuse within the Child Protection Unit setting (Curtis et al., 2016). Through a strengths-based approach, the program can help adolescents reclaim their lives and manage the challenges of their ordeal with support.
The cooperation between community-based organizations, faith-based entities, and government agencies leads to the implementation of wraparound services consisting of counseling, advocacy, or educational assistance. Tailored programming aimed at the cultural nuances and socioeconomic realities develops a sense of belonging for Bahamian adolescents and builds resilience, thus reducing risk factors of conduct disorder and re-victimization.
Social Work Administration
Regarding social work administration, this study’s findings support strategic implementation processes to optimize service delivery, mainly in The Bahamas’s Child Protection Unit (CPU). The implementation of resource allocation, staffing, and training initiatives by the administrators could help raise the capacity of social workers to handle cases of incestuous abuse and conduct disorder among middle-adolescent females with more efficiency (Miller et al., 2017).
Furthermore, developing a culture that respects professionals’ self-care, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration is vital so that frontline workers in the care of complex family violence cases avoid burnout and become resilient. Through supervision, peer support networks, and reflective practice, social work administrators develop a workforce competent to address child protection challenges within a culturally sensitive setting.
In sum, this study aims to unravel a complex web of issues in the interplay between incest and conduct disorder among middle-adolescent females. By examining the broader context and relevance to social work practice, education research, and program development, this study aspires to provide a more comprehensive approach that can lead to positive change that aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable people within the Child Protection Unit in the Bahamas.
Objectives of the Study
The study purports to meticulously examine the connection between incestuous abuse and conduct disorder among middle-adolescent girls under The Child Protection Unit (CPU) of The Bahamas. The study aims to investigate the extent and nature of incestuous abuse among these groups to illuminate further the magnitude and traits of such traumatic events.
Subsequently, it attempts to determine if the existence of incestuous abuse experiences is linked to the increased prevalence of conduct disorder symptoms among this population. Furthermore, the study attempts to determine the moderating variables, which include sociocultural factors such as family income and the level of parents’ education, that influence the relationship (Hood, 2019, pp. 35-40).
The study also determines the effect of the magnitude and impact of conduct disorder symptoms on the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of middle adolescent females in the Child Protection Unit. This study will develop support actions and intervention programs by studying implications for social work practice, education, research, and policy. Overall, the study will propose tailored interventions, programs, and systemic reforms that could enhance resilience among victims and facilitate recovery, thus enhancing the wellbeing of the vulnerable adolescents registered under The Child Protection Unit of The Bahamas.
Research Questions
- How is trauma exposure resulting from experiences of incestuous abuse related to the prevalence of conduct disorder among middle-adolescent females within the Child Protection Unit (CPU) of The Bahamas?
- How do the conduct disorders symptoms manifest among Bahamian middle adolescent girls who have experienced incestuous abuse within the Child Protection Unit or the CPU, and how do these manifestations differ based on the severity and frequency of the abusive experiences?
- What role do socioeconomic factors, including family income and parental education level, play in shaping the association between experiences of incestuous abuse and conduct disorder among middle adolescent females in the CPU of Bahamas?
Hypotheses
First Hypothesis
H1: There is a significant relationship between the extent of exposure to trauma resulting from experiences of incestuous abuse and the prevalence of conduct disorder among middle-adolescent females within the Child Protection Unit (CPU) of The Bahamas.
Second Hypothesis
H2: The severity and frequency of the symptoms of conduct disorder vary among middle-adolescent females within the CPU of The Bahamas who have experienced incestuous abuse.
Third Hypothesis
H3: Socioeconomic factors, such as family income and parental education level, moderate the relationship between experienced incestuous abuse and the prevalence of conduct disorder among middle adolescent females within the CPU of The Bahamas.
Tables and figures
- The sample population for a study by Plumridge et al. included 641 students. Out of this sample population, completed questions that considered homes as hubs for domestic violence (or not) totaled only 612. Some students stayed at student accommodation or elsewhere; thus, only the responses of 588 students who reportedly lived with their parents (70.7%), living by themselves (16 %), or living with a relative (12.8%) were used to analyze questions about the household. The majority of respondents were less than 21 years old (64.3% of 585 replies), while women accounted for 70.3%). Domestic conflict was registered in 21.3% of homes (Plumridge & Fielding, 2009, p. 49). This table informs that the presence of domestic violence is a climbing dimension, marking various other deviant conduct, such as sexual abuse by members of the household and by purposefully hurting animals. Homes, where children are subject to domestic violence, were viewed as places in which it would be unpleasant to live:
In this study by Bethel et al., non-consent and fear of harm were identified as elements or qualities that constitute the definition of rape from the perspective of both males and females. About 30% of respondents said that raping cannot take place within marriage, and around 10% believed that the victim is required to attempt to resist forced intercourse to be termed as rape (Bethel & Fielding, 2020).
Reported cases of child abuse in New Providence, The Bahamas, in the years 1990-2008. Derived from original raw data from the Social Services Department, The Bahamas (Plumridge & Fielding, 2009, p. 47).
Conclusion
In summary, the study of the relationship between incest and conduct disorder among middle adolescent females within the CPU in The Bahamas underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, informed policy reforms, and comprehensive programming to address the multifaceted needs of survivors. Through this research, social work practitioners, educators, policymakers, and administrators gain valuable insights that they can utilize to effectuate meaningful change within the Bahamian context, which will ultimately benefit vulnerable adolescents.
References
Bethel, N., & Fielding, W. J. (2020). Attitudes and Knowledge of Bahamian College Students Regarding Sexual Consent. International Journal of Bahamian Studies, pp. 26, 73. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0448/5464a792726dd0b174ab272faa764a64b8a4.pdf
Curtis, K., Fry, M., Shaban, R. Z., & Considine, J. (2016). Translating Research Findings to Clinical Nursing Practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(5-6), 862–872. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13586
Davenport, T. L. (2021). A qualitative look at secondary trauma through the lived experiences of elementary teachers. A Qualitative Look at Secondary Trauma Through the Lived Experiences of Elementary Teachers. Experiences of Elem, 1–129. https://ir.library.louisville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4908&context=etd
Hahn, S. A. (2013). Bridging the Dichotomy between Micro and Macro Practice in Social Work: A Study of Clinical Social Work Practice with Domestic Violence Survivors By. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjN0fzI5YeEAxVs8gIHHdtUAU8QFnoECA4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcore.ac.uk%2Fdownload%2Fpdf%2F213401215.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0cxd6EeLqj7QWzWgU2W8n2&opi=89978449
Hood, A. (2019). The Experience of Sexual Abuse of Afro-Caribbean Women: The Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the Particularities Attached to Disclosure (pp. 1–153). https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1034&context=shss_dft_etd
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Plumridge, S. J., & Fielding, W. J. (2009). Domestic Violence in the Homes of College Students, New Providence, The Bahamas. The International Journal of Bahamian Studies, 15, 45. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49607594_Domestic_Violence_in_the_Homes_of_College_Students_New_Providence_The_Bahamas
Sonio, M. P., & Edward, F. (2023). The Lived Experiences of Social Workers Handling Child Sexual Abuse Cases. Cognizance Journal, 3(6), 130–172. https://doi.org/10.47760/cognizance.2023.v03i06.009
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Wilson, H. W., & Widom, C. S. (2010). The Role of Youth Problem Behaviors in the Path from Child Abuse and Neglect to Prostitution: A Prospective Examination. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 20(1), 210–236. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-7795.2009.00624.x
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