Positive Sexual Self-Schemas of Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Meaning Making Mechanisms in Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review

“…Supporting and caring for the inner self allows some survivors of CSA to discover meaning in taking care of themselves, loving themselves, and making their happiness, safety, and health a priority (Banyard & Williams, 2007; Burke Draucker et al, 2011; Damiani, 2019; Domhardt et al, 2015; Godbey & Hutchinson, 1996; Hall, 2003; Phillips & Daniluk, 2004). This can be done in various ways using positive internal coping mechanisms like writing about the abuse and reading other survivors’ stories (Anderson & Hiersteiner, 2008; Batten et al, 2002; Bradley & Follingstad, 2001; Chouliara & Narang, 2017; Gonzalez, 2017; Himelein & McElrath, 1996; Hitter, 2012; Pulverman et al, 2017; Vilenica et al, 2013). Another way of loving and caring for themselves seems to be taking care of their physical appearance, wearing jewellery and colorful clothing as well as taking care of their health and ensuring time for relaxation (Gonzalez, 2017; Price, 2001; Saha et al, 2011; Walsh et al, 2010).…”

“…This is very significant in connection with my sense of overall safety in the world. To find this inner safe place is a great gift .” The self-love survivors attain through prioritizing their well-being seems to be a great source of meaning and gratitude, as they become more appreciative of their lives, bodies, growth, capabilities, and the people included in their lives (Baty, 2012; Defferary et al, 2018; Gonzalez, 2017; Hitter, 2012; Summerfield, 2011; Walsh et al, 2010). Using positive coping repertoires appeared to allow the survivors to relinquish blame for the event.…”

“…It appeared that a source of meaning was found in externalizing CSA blame onto the perpetrator so as to feel less undeserved shame and guilt (Banyard & Williams, 2007; Ben-David & Jonson-Reid, 2017; Domhardt et al, 2015; Godbey & Hutchinson, 1996; Haffejee & Theron, 2017; Hartley et al, 2016). Externalizing the blame is a method of coping positively with the abuse and a sign of moving forward from it as it is important for survivors to know that they were the victim in the experience (Hitter, 2012; Walker-Williams et al, 2014; Wright & Gabriel, 2018). Therefore, prioritizing self-care and inner healing seems to be an important mechanism of meaning making throughout the CSA recovery process.…”

“…Hearing other survivors’ recovery stories also made them understand their own experience, helped them acknowledge the event as sexual assault or rape, and empowered them to reach out and share their stories to affirm and reinforce their recovery progress (Hyman & Williams, 2001; Padmanabhanunni & Edwards, 2015). Support from the community also seemed to help survivors cope with the trauma as social, legal, and health systems intervened to support the survivor in the immediate aftermath (Hitter, 2012; Simpson, 2010).…”

“…When survivors accept their trauma, a source of meaning is found in surrendering to the trauma and knowing that it will always be a part of them but not define them (Burke Draucker et al, 2009; Himelein & McElrath, 1996; Hitter, 2012; Luck, 2010; Price, 2005; Pulverman et al, 2017; Strachman Miller, 2005). This newfound identity gives them a sense of wisdom and creativity and helped them to feel beautiful, strong, talented, smart, competent, worthy and appreciate themselves more (O’Dougherty Wright et al, 2007; Phanichrat & Townshend, 2010; Saha et al, 2011).…”