Abuso sexual infantil: consecuencias biopsicosociales y formas de intervención psicoterapéutica.

Abstract

Introduction: Child sexual abuse is a public health issue with significant biological, psychological, and social consequences that may persist into adulthood, substantially affecting the well-being and quality of life of survivors. Objective: To analyze the biopsychosocial consequences of child sexual abuse and the main forms of psychotherapeutic intervention supported by scientific evidence. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted through a descriptive literature review using a systematic search strategy. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Taylor & Francis were consulted. Scientific articles published between 2014 and 2025 in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, related to Clinical Psychology, psychological trauma, and psychotherapeutic intervention, were selected. Results: The empirical evidence reviewed showed that child sexual abuse is associated with biological, psychological, and social impairments, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulties in functioning and interpersonal relationships. Various evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches were subsequently examined, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, the systemic approach, and complementary strategies aimed at promoting the emotional recovery of survivors. Conclusion: Child sexual abuse has complex and long-lasting biopsychosocial consequences that significantly affect survivors’ overall development and mental health. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of specialized, trauma-informed psychotherapeutic interventions to promote psychological recovery and psychosocial adjustment.