Exploring Posttraumatic Outcomes as a Function of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Abstract

There is sparse systematic examination of the potential for growth as well as distress that may occur for some adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The presented study explored posttraumatic growth and its relationship with negative posttrauma outcomes within the specific population of survivors of childhood sexual abuse (N = 40). Results showed that 95% of the participants experienced clinically significant post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology related to their childhood sexual abuse. In conjunction with these high levels of negative symptoms, the population evidenced posttraumatic growth levels that were comparable to other trauma samples. This research has clinical relevance in terms of adding to the knowledge base on sexual abuse and the usefulness of this knowledge in therapeutic interventions and relationships.

Perceptions of general and parenting-specific posttraumatic change among postpartum mothers with histories of childhood maltreatment

“…Such changes may be either positive or negative. Examples of positive changes include perceptions of improved personal strength, coping, and ability to protect oneself from danger (changes in views of self); of increased intimacy, empathy, and support (changes in relationship views), or of greater appreciation for life, increased spirituality, and enhanced sense of purpose (changes in world views; Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, & Moorthy, 2013; McMillen, Zuravin, & Rideout, 1995; Shakespeare-Finch & de Dassel, 2009; Wright et al, 2007). However, CM may also challenge core beliefs in ways that lead to perceptions of negative change in the self (e.g., being unworthy of love), relationships (e.g., others are untrustworthy), or the world (e.g., the world is unjust; Janoff-Bulman, 1992; Joseph & Linley, 2005).…”

“…Demographic characteristics, including older age, higher educational attainment, higher income and being married have been associated with stronger perceptions of posttraumatic growth or positive PTC (Shakespeare-Finch & de Dassel, 2009). However, individuals with CM histories are more likely to experience demographic risks (e.g., single parenthood, poverty) that are associated with parenting difficulties (Lipman et al, 2001).…”

A Salutogenic Approach to Healing Following Child Sexual Assault

“…Molnar et al, 2001;Nelson et al, 2002;O'Leary et al, 2010). Of the diagnosable disorders, major depressive disorder (Nelson et al, 2002), anxiety disorders (Calam et al, 1998), suicide attempts (Belik et al, 2009), sexual dysfunction (Gold et al, 1999), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Shakespeare-Finch & De Dassel, 2009), and other psychopathology (Molnar et al, 2001) are commonly studied, demonstrating that those who have experienced CSA are at a significantly greater risk of developing these impairments. Even www.intechopen.com amongst sufferers of other tragedies and traumas, those who have experienced CSA show higher levels of impairment (Shakespeare-Finch & Armstrong, 2010), a testament to the highly invasive, personal, and damaging nature of the experience of sexual abuse in childhood.…”

“…Currently the research exploring wellness and PTG processes and outcomes on the single population of adult survivors of CSA is still emerging and is relatively scarce (Lev-Wiesel et al, 2004;Shakespeare-Finch & de Dassel, 2009;Woodward & Joseph, 2003). What research has uncovered at this point in time however, is that growth and healing after sexual abuse in childhood is possible, that the relationship between growth and distress is currently unclear, and that the traditional ways of working therapeutically with CSA survivors may not be as facilitative of growth and change as other modalities.…”

“…Expressions of avoidant coping strategies being 'best-friends' or 'life-savers' show that these ways of coping, for a time, can be highly adaptive and can allow one to function in their lives until such time that they are able to move from avoidance to active engagement (Phanichrat & Townshend, 2010). Although avoidant coping has been reported as being adaptive during a point in time in ones healing journey, staying with this way of coping is not facilitative of growth, and in fact has been shown to negatively correlate with growth (Shakespeare-Finch & De Dassel, 2009). What has been shown is that the absence of avoidant coping, and thereby implied the presence of acceptance of what has actually occurred, or successful coping, assists in the positive resolution of CSA (O'Dougherty et al, 2007).…”