The Influence of Child Sexual Abuse on the Self from Adult Narrative Perspectives

Abstract

The impact of child sexual abuse on the adult self is not yet clearly understood. We explored adult perspectives through the use of narrative interviews (N = 30). Three key themes or views of self were identified in all narratives to varying degrees: the worthless self, the self as unknown and the potential/developing self. Ambivalence and tension were present in all narratives. Individuals are challenged to integrate the sexual abuse experience in a constructive way and develop a more coherent perception of the self while supporting present agency and a positive outlook to the future. This is an on-going process and different views of the self may come to the fore at different times. The narrative method highlighted the dynamic nature of peoples' experiences at the same time recognising that the narratives themselves are in progress. Reactions to disclosure, social support and interpersonal connections are crucial at every turn.

Perspectives of Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse: An Exploration of the Adjustments to Self-Structure through Meaning-Making in Therapy

“…(Parry & Simpson, 2016, p. 801). As reported by Krayer et al (2015), a more coherent self was established in some participants. In summary, the impact of learning more about themselves was described by one participant in the research by Chouliara et al (2011) as, "Well I have found myself .…”

“…Acceptance of self and self-integration are important parts of the recovery process (Chouliara et al, 2014) as survivors become more congruent with themselves and others and their relationships improved (Arias & Johnson, 2013). As negative beliefs and thought patterns begin to shift, a meaning in life is established along with feelings of agency (Krayer, Seddon, Robinson, & Gwilym, 2015). As distinct as the identified themes appear, the research also suggests a clear interdependence.…”

“…Theme 2: Acknowledgement-Acknowledgement of the Abuse and its Impact Participants in the study by Spitzer and Avis (2006) found that the most helpful aspect of their work in therapy was the addressing of, and meaning given to, their experience of abuse. A number of studies identified examples of how therapy was the first time that survivors had named their experience as abuse and become aware of and connected the impact of the abuse on their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in the present and the past (Chouliara et al, 2011;Easton, Leone-Sheehan, Sophis, & Willis, 2015;Kia-Keating, Grossman, Sorsoli, & Epstein, 2005;Krayer et al, 2015;Parry & Simpson, 2016). There was also recognition that, as one participant in Easton et al's.…”

“…Improved relationship skills enabled participants to obtain more support from supportive networks (Arias & Johnson, 2013) and to recognize how they could make changes in the way they parented their children to keep them protected from abuse (Draucker et al, 2011). Improved interpersonal connections led to participants developing empathy, compassion, and acceptance toward others including spending time helping other people (Arias & Johnson, 2013;Krayer et al, 2015;Vilencia et al, 2013). In summary, participants were able to be in control of their social functioning (Chouliara et al, 2011) and develop "equal" relationships (Draucker et al, 2011).…”

Sistemas de significados en torno a la experiencia erótica y los abusos sexuales en la infancia

“…Sistemas de significados en torno a la experiencia erótica y los abusos sexuales en la infancia Gwilym, 2015;Saha, Chung, & Thorne, 2011); o en la identificación de las emociones asociadas con la experiencia (Foster & Hagedorn, 2014). Pero se han abordado tangencialmente las interpretaciones que los participantes narran, específicamente sobre los abusos sexuales y la experiencia de atracción y de placer sexual.…”