From victims to victors: Group process as the path to recovery for males molested as children

Psychosocial Adjustment and Psychopathology of Men Sexually Abused During Childhood

“…In this regard, to avoid understanding an unresolvable conflict situation, the participant may deploy a series of strategies, including denial, minimization, and even idealization of this first early sexual experience with an adult (Holmes et al, 1997). Such defense mechanisms may be driven by a host of reasons, including social desirability, fear of being perceived as a victim of sexual abuse, or fear of being considered a pedophile (Cermak & Molidor, 1996;Gill & Tutty, 1997;Thomas, Nelson, & Sumners, 1994). The hypothesis of denial and minimization defense mechanisms could even be supported by the avoidant attachment style manifested by this group.…”

To Tell or Not to Tell: Lifestyle Impacts on Whether Adolescents Tell About Violent Victimization

“…First, unlike most past studies that are limited to examinations of sexual victimization (Cermak & Molidor, 1996;King & Woollett, 1997;Thomas, Nelson, & Summers, 1994), we compare experiences of sexual and physical assaults. Second, predictors of telling anyone about victimization are compared for boys and girls to determine if there are significant sex differences in predictors of reporting abuse.…”

Group Work with Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse and Neglect: A Psychoeducational Approach

“…Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http:// www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions esteem, disrupted identity formation, and sexual victimization in adulthood (Gorey, Richter, & Snyder, 2001;Lubin, Loris, Burt, & Johnson, 1998;Owens, Pike, & Chard, 2001;Sanders & Moore, 1999;Thomas, Nelson, & Sumners, 1994;Westbury & Tutty, 1999;Zaidi, 1999). The purpose of this article is first to provide an overview of some of the long-term effects of child abuse in adult survivors' lives and then to discuss the ways in which their needs can be addressed through group work.…”

“…Groups enable members to challenge and modify maladaptive beliefs related to safety, trust, power, self-esteem, and intimacy (Ainscough & Toon, 1993;Owens et al, 2001;Thomas et al, 1994;Zaidi, 1999). Third, group work can be an effective venue for learning interpersonal skills and anxiety management strategies and can provide a safe environment for members to practice new skills and behaviors (Corey & Corey, 2001;Ferrara, 2002;Shaffer et al, 1998;Zaidi, 1999).…”

“…He was informed that although there was an ongoing community support group for female survivors of sexual abuse, there was no such group available for men, nor were any groups available for survivors of other types of childhood abuse. A lack of resources and support groups for males is common in many communities (Thomas et al, 1994). One of the local coordinators of PCA (second author) then approached a counselor education program faculty member (first author) to seek the program's support in developing a mixed-gender psychoeducational support group for survivors of child abuse and neglect.…”