Introduction:Social damages can threaten growth and health of children. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and behavioral problems of sexually abused labor children and compare that with orphaned children.

Method:This study was descriptive correlation. 80 damaged Children (40 sexual   abused labor children and 40 orphaned children) were selected by convenience sampling under the auspices of the center for child well-being. Data were collected using Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist and Rescorla Teacher Report Form (TRF) (2001) and the PTSD Symptom Scale–Interview Version (Foa et al., 1993). The obtained data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient for showing the relationship between variables, and Fisher's z used for differences of correlation coefficient between two groups. Independent T-test used for comparing variables in two groups.   

Result:The findings showed a positive relationship between all behavioral problems components in sexually abused group. Also, there was a positive relationship between PTSD and all of the components of behavioral problems except attention problems and social (p<0.05). Moreover, there was a difference between anxiety, withdrawal, social problems, rule-breaking, aggressive behavior, other problems and PTSD components including re-experiencing, avoidance, and increased arousal (p<0.05). The difference between attention problems, thinking and somatization was not significant. The mean score of all components of behavioral problems and PTSD except attention problems and somatization was higher in sexually abused children; however, the mean score of attention problems and somatization was higher in unsupervised children.

Conclusion: Both groups of children get behavioral problems in stressful events; but in comparison to orphaned children, sexually abused children have more severe behavioral problems. This can increase their readiness to have high-risk behaviors in next periods of growth. Therefore, it is recommended to design prevention programs that improve emotional and social abilities of children at risk.