“How many times did I not want to live a life because of him”: the complex connections between child sexual abuse, disclosure, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors

Abstract

Background Meta-analyses have confirmed an association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and non-suicidal and suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB), yet the mechanisms linking these factors are, to date, poorly understood. The goal of the current study is to explore one potential influencing factor acting in the association between CSA and SITB, which is the disclosure experience. Disclosure has been identified as a prominent factor in the healing process of survivors, with a lack of support following disclosures heightening negative outcomes. Exploring the impact of CSA disclosure on SITB is necessary to build effective prevention and intervention strategies. Methods This qualitative study is part of a larger initiative spanning diverse research sites in Canada and in Ireland and aiming to lend voice to young people who were sexually abused in childhood/adolescence. Participants were recruited from community-based sexual abuse/assault agencies, hospital-based specialized clinics and child advocacy centres. The Long Interview Method, based on a branch of phenomenology, was used to guide research design and data collection. The current thematic analysis, informed by a stress-diathesis model, is based on a sample comprised of 21 ethnically diverse youth aged 15 to 25 who self-reported a sexual abuse experience in their childhood or teenage years and who, as part of the interview on their disclosure processes, revealed past or current SITB. Results The thematic analysis led to the identification of four main themes that both confirmed past research and conceptual models on SITB, and provided new insights. Participants perceived a clear link between their CSA experience and SITB and other mental health issues. They offered their views on the meanings of SITB for CSA victims: to cope with abuse; to end the abuse; to express self-hatred and loneliness; and to let people know about their suffering. They described how negative disclosure experiences led to more nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Yet, participants also revealed that receiving support for their SITB created opportunities for CSA disclosure and support. Conclusions This study showed complex connections between CSA experiences, disclosure and nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Understanding the reciprocal influences between SITB, CSA disclosure and help-seeking could better equip mental health professionals and caregivers to provide support and foster healing and recovery in CSA victims.

The risk of self‐harm and suicide attempts in maltreated and poly‐victimised adolescents from Lithuanian vocational schools

“…According to Finkelhor and Browne (1985), the experience of sexual abuse is distinct from other types of maltreatment in that it is marked by feelings of betrayal, powerlessness, humiliation and self-guilt. As a result, victims of childhood sexual abuse may choose self-harming behaviour to end the abuse itself, express self-hatred and loneliness, and inform others about their suffering (Collin-Vézina et al, 2021). Moreover, child sexual abuse often co-occurs with multiple other forms of abuse which can also increase the risk for self-directed violence (Miller et al, 2013).…”

Bringing Shame Out of the Shadows: Identifying Shame in Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure Processes and Implications for Psychotherapy

“…This study is part of a larger study exploring experiences of CSA disclosure in a sample of young people living in Canada and Ireland (see Collin-Vézina et al [2021 ] for details). Participants were primarily recruited from community-based sexual abuse/assault agencies, hospital-based specialized clinics, and a child advocacy center.…”

The Connectedness Between Society Response and the Stress of Adolescents with Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Behavior

“…Collin-Vézina's study reveals a positive relationship between child sexual abuse and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors later on. Victims of child sexual abuse imply the cause-and-effect relationship between their past experiences of sexual abuse and present unhealthy well-being and mental problems, which further explicitly show as invisible and visible self-harm symptoms [20]. The mental trauma resulting from child sexual abuse cause adolescent to commit self-harm behaviors after deteriorating their mental health and making them suffer from mental illness.…”