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Posttraumatic Growth Among Men With Histories of Child Sexual Abuse
Abstract
Despite an increased risk of long-term mental health problems, many survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) experience positive changes in areas such as appreciation for life, personal strength, and interpersonal relationships. Drawing on life course theory, this study examined factors related to posttraumatic growth among a sample of men with CSA histories (N = 487). Using multiple linear regression (i.e., ordinary least squares), we found that men who had a better understanding of the sexual abuse experience, who ascribed to less traditional masculine norms, and who experienced a turning point reported greater growth. To promote growth, practitioners can help survivors understand the meaning and impact of the abuse on their lives and deconstruct rigid gender norms. More research on growth is needed with male survivors, especially on the nature of turning points in the recovery process.
Supplementary resource (1)
... Si bien el crecimiento postraumático ha sido estudiado en diferentes tipos de experiencias adversas, como enfermedades graves o desastres naturales, las investigaciones que abordan el crecimiento postraumático tras una experiencia de violencia sexual en la infancia y adolescencia son aún escasas (Easton et al., 2013;Lahav et al., 2020;Ulloa et al., 2016). ...
... Otro de los temas estudiados en este ámbito se vincula con la variables sexo y cómo las normas sociales asociadas a los roles de género juegan un papel relevante en el crecimiento postraumático. En el caso de varones que vivieron violencia sexual en su infancia, reportaron mayor crecimiento postraumático aquellos sobrevivientes que demostraban mejor comprensión de la experiencia abusiva, tenían normas masculinas menos tradicionales y quienes experimentaron un punto de inflexión en su biografía (Easton et al., 2013). Esto concuerda con el estudio de Lewis et al. (2022), quienes concluyen que el apego a las normas y valores tradicionales masculinos puede dificultar el crecimiento postraumático. ...
... Although posttraumatic growth has been investigated across various adversities like serious illnesses and natural disasters, research into posttraumatic growth following childhood and adolescent sexual violence is limited (Easton et al., 2013;Lahav et al., 2020;Ulloa et al., 2016), particularly in Ibero-America. ...
... Associations were found between PTG and level of understanding of the sexual abuse and conformity to masculine norms. 33 The study concluded that men who manage their emotions in line with traditional masculine norms may struggle to experience PTG due to their inability to "open up" and understand the abuse and experience the intense emotions that occur within this. Whilst offering preliminary insight into PTG and male survivors, this study and the majority of research into PTG and survivors of trauma is largely quantitative and based on standardised responses from questionnaires. ...
... 23 Given the distinct difficulties encountered by male survivors of CSA, in addition to the PTG experiences of female survivors, this sample also evidenced the growth processes that were related to masculinity and sexuality. Our study agree with previous literature that men who manage their emotions in line with traditional masculine norms may struggle to experience PTG, 33 and findings of this study went further to explain how participants went through a process of "redefining masculinity and sexuality" in order to inform their new "masculine values." This involved reassessing the aspects of traditional masculinity and finding alternative male attributes that reflect a more contemporary expression of masculinity. ...
... 23 This theme also supports quantitative evidence that a "turning point" was positively related to PTG in male survivors of CSA. 33 "Disconnection" is the body's way of protecting oneself during periods of trauma. 40 The findings suggest that survivors' ability to reconnect to their bodies, sexuality and childhood helped in promoting PTG. ...
Background:
Due to societal stereotypes around masculinity (i.e. men should be strong and able to physically resist an offender), male survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) frequently experience sexuality and gender role crises, as they tend to blame themselves for not protecting themselves. The negative effects on male and female survivors of sexual abuse are well documented. There is some evidence to suggest that female survivors may experience post traumatic growth (PTG) although less is known regarding male survivors and PTG.
Aims:
To explore the PTG processes involved in the development of positive gender roles and sexuality in male survivors of CSA.
Method:
Recruitment through national male survivor support organisations and social media resulted in a sample of 12 participants from the UK, EU and USA. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using social constructionist thematic analysis.
Results:
The parallel processes of “struggling and changing” and “developing and growing” were evident in the PTG journeys of participants. Eight subthemes were developed relating to gender role redevelopment to illustrate the experienced positive change: “Turning point,” “Redefining masculinity and sexuality,” “Reconnecting,” “Determination,” “Appreciation of life,” “Living by masculine values,” “Attunement” and “Stronger person” in the context of a central “environmental” theme.
Conclusions:
This study has provided much-needed empirical support for the development of positive gender role and sexuality following CSA and has enabled conceptualisation of PTG in male survivors.
... Associations were found between PTG and level of understanding of the sexual abuse and conformity to masculine norms. 33 The study concluded that men who manage their emotions in line with traditional masculine norms may struggle to experience PTG due to their inability to "open up" and understand the abuse and experience the intense emotions that occur within this. Whilst offering preliminary insight into PTG and male survivors, this study and the majority of research into PTG and survivors of trauma is largely quantitative and based on standardised responses from questionnaires. ...
... 23 Given the distinct difficulties encountered by male survivors of CSA, in addition to the PTG experiences of female survivors, this sample also evidenced the growth processes that were related to masculinity and sexuality. Our study agree with previous literature that men who manage their emotions in line with traditional masculine norms may struggle to experience PTG, 33 and findings of this study went further to explain how participants went through a process of "redefining masculinity and sexuality" in order to inform their new "masculine values." This involved reassessing the aspects of traditional masculinity and finding alternative male attributes that reflect a more contemporary expression of masculinity. ...
... 23 This theme also supports quantitative evidence that a "turning point" was positively related to PTG in male survivors of CSA. 33 "Disconnection" is the body's way of protecting oneself during periods of trauma. 40 The findings suggest that survivors' ability to reconnect to their bodies, sexuality and childhood helped in promoting PTG. ...
Background Due to societal stereotypes around masculinity (i.e. men should be strong and able to physically resist an offender), male survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) frequently experience sexuality and gender role crises, as they tend to blame themselves for not protecting themselves. The negative effects on male and female survivors of sexual abuse are well documented. There is some evidence to suggest that female survivors may experience post traumatic growth (PTG) but only few things are known regarding male survivors and PTG.
... Conversely, this relationship may also offer a "corrective" attachment experience where survivors feel nurtured and their needs met, healing some of the damage of their trauma (Alaggia & Mishna, 2014). This hypothesis has been supported by research on the disclosure experiences of CSA survivors which found partners who respond positively, and challenge survivors' negative selfbeliefs, help survivors construct a more positive self-concept and process and move on from their abuse (Easton et al., 2013). The experience of processing and overcoming abuse as well as achieving satisfying romantic relationships can be explained by post-traumatic growth (PTG) theory. ...
... There was also clear evidence suggesting internalized shame and blame are key processes leading survivors to isolate themselves in order to hide their "secret" (Dorahy & Clearwater, 2012). Masculine norms of emotional control and self-reliance enabled this process, in line with findings from Easton et al. (2013). ...
... This adds to the nascent body of literature into the experiences, and facilitators, of PTG for male CSA survivors. It suggests that many male survivors were able to experience PTG through their partner relationships, manifested as the cognitive processing of their trauma, a greater sense of personal strength, and in turn, more meaningful and improved relationships with partners (Easton et al., 2013;Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). The findings suggest that positive intimate relationships providing corrective ...
Research has documented wide-ranging psychological impacts of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) for male survivors, but their experience of relationships is understudied. This qualitative review aimed to synthesize the qualitative literature concerning the experience of partner relationships for male CSA survivors. Electronic searches were conducted across PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed, complemented by hand searches of references. Searches were limited to English-language peer-reviewed studies. Studies were included if they sampled adult male CSA survivors and reported qualitative data on their experience of partner relationships. Sixteen studies met the review criteria. Articles were quality-appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist (2018), and narrative synthesis derived five themes: “sexual orientation confusion,” “sexual intimacy difficulties,” “the barrier of emotional intimacy,” “navigating agency,” and “healing and growth through love.” Key findings were male CSA survivors can face considerable barriers to relational intimacy; however, romantic relationships also offer a space to heal and experience post-traumatic growth (PTG). Clinicians should be aware of the diffuse impacts CSA can have upon male survivors’ intimate relationships. Helping survivors and their partners build a safe space in which to process CSA, reassert agency and relational boundaries, and express love and validation can support survivors toward PTG.
... Sabe-se pouco sobre a realidade da vitimização sexual de meninos, o mesmo ocorrendo com suas respectivas relações familiares (Baptista, Franca, Costa, & Brito, 2008;Hohendorff, Habigzang, & Koller, 2012;Lauritsen & Carbone-Lopez, 2011). O abuso sexual de meninos permanece mais oculto do que o de meninas (Scrandis & Watt, 2014;Valente, 2005), e isso ainda acontece quando se tem acesso a homens adultos que sofreram abuso sexual na infância (Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, & Moorthy, 2013;Hershkowitz, 2014;O'Leary, Easton, & Gould, 2017). Dentre os tipos de violência, a intrafamiliar é reconhecida como a que mais ocorre, em comparação com a violência praticada por não familiares, segundo dados estatísticos publicados, por exemplo, pelo Centro de Referência para Violência Sexual (CEREVS) da Vara da Infância e Juventude do Distrito Federal (VIJ/DF, 2010). ...
... O estudo encontrou que a faixa etária de maior risco para o abuso sexual de meninos situa-se entre três e seis anos de idade. A pesquisa sobre a caracterização do abuso sexual em crianças e adolescentes notificados em atendimento de um Programa Sentinela, realizado por Baptista et al. (2008), confirma a predominância do abuso sexual maior em meninas (85%), em concordância com a literatura nacional e internacional e nacional consultada (por exemplo, respectivamente, Easton et al., 2013;Guimarães & Vilela, 2011). Estudos regionais (Miranda, 2010;Pinho, 2012), realizados com população atendida na assistência social do Distrito Federal, também encontraram prevalência mais significativa para o abuso sexual de meninas. ...
... Há um estudo realizado nos Estados Unidos da América (Easton et al., 2013) que informa sobre a presença de 11% de abusos sexuais intrafamiliares sem, contudo, especificar o grau de parentesco, acrescentando que em 61% da amostra, o abuso sexual foi cometido por padre. Este dado, no momento, parece distante da preocupação dos trabalhos epidemiológicos nacionais, não sendo publicações sobre abuso sexual cometido por religioso. ...
The study aims to identify the family profile of boys who were victims of sexual abuse and of their offenders. Intake documents from a health facility in the capital of Brazil, consisting of 35 cases from that institution over a period of 13 years were analyzed. Analysis of quantitative data with descriptive statistics for the following categories involved: age of family members; relatives living in the same household; education and occupation of family members; who did the victim reside with; victim’s main caretaker; gender and relationship of victim and offender. The families were economically deprived with low educational background, and in lack of community institutional support. As a result, they took protection initiatives by themselves, delegating childcare to immediate or extended relatives, a strategy which increased vulnerability.
... These traditional masculine gender norms are associated with emotional suppression (Forde & Duvvury, 2016;Goldstein & Kopin, 2007). For example, the masculine norm of showing stoicism and control can lead men to suppress any sign of emotional vulnerability, which may be linked with role-adhering men being less likely to reexamine past traumatic events (Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, & Moorthy, 2013). In a sample of male college student veterans, conformity to traditional masculine norms was associated with increased psychological distress (Alfred, Hammer, & Good, 2014). ...
... Suppressor analyses further showed that masculine role adherence was an especially important predictor of PTG when adhering to masculine norms that are not strongly influenced by hegemonic traits. Although these results are inconsistent with previous findings that adherence to male gender norms is associated with negative psychological outcomes (Easton et al., 2013;Levant et al., 2013), the findings are encouraging. Hammer and Goos (2010) examined the endorsement of masculine norms in a sample of men and found that some masculine traits (risk-taking, dominance, pursuit of status, and goal-orientation) were associated with resilience. ...
... For future intervention, changing how we look at gender roles can be part of addressing the "wicked problem" (Kazdin, 2011) of interpersonal violence, as well as addressing the wider cultural effects of masculinity, violence, and patriarchy (Easton et al., 2013). This study adds to the PTG literature by confirming that having a strong sense of self, one rooted in one's gender identity, is associated with increased PTG (Howells & Fletcher, 2015). ...
While research supports a relationship between gender and posttraumatic growth (PTG), the relationship between gender norms and PTG is understudied. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of gender role adherence to PTG in male and female survivors of interpersonal violence. Grounded in previous research, we hypothesized that men would report greater levels of experiencing nonsexual interpersonal violence than women and women would report greater levels of sexual interpersonal violence and PTG than men (Hypothesis 1); masculine traits would negatively predict PTG for all participants (Hypothesis 2); and feminine traits would positively predict PTG (Hypothesis 3). A sample of 119 college students who filled out questionnaires online and reported experiencing interpersonal violence was selected for this study. Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted predicting PTG. In contrast to previous research, gender did not predict PTG. Hypotheses 1 and 3 were supported and Hypothesis 2 was not supported. Masculine role adherence was the strongest positive predictor of PTG. Altruism paired with healthy masculine norms predicted PTG better than masculine norms alone. Feminine role adherence also positively predicted PTG. For intervention, changing how we look at gender roles can help address the wide-ranging effects of violence. Gender role adherence, rather than gender, may be a strong predictor of PTG after interpersonal violence. (PsycINFO Database Record
... Though research into PTG in the area of interpersonal violence is limited, a variety of studies have reported the development of PTG in adult survivors of interpersonal trauma such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, rape, and physical assault during adulthood (Elderton et al., 2017), and also in experiences of physical, emotional, institutional abuse and neglect in childhood (Pajón et al., 2020;Sheridan & Carr, 2020). Other studies also note the development of PTG in CSA survivors (Kaye-Tzadok & Davidson-Arad, 2016) and specifically in clergy-perpetrated CSA survivors (Easton et al., 2013;Saltzman et al., 2015). ...
... The quantitative results showed that participants reported similar levels of PTG to those reported by survivors of clergy-perpetrated CSA in other countries (Easton et al., 2013;Saltzman et al., 2015). Also, in agreement with other studies (Isely et al., 2008;Pereda & Segura, 2021;Sheridan & Carr, 2020) participants reported high levels of psychosocial distress and spiritual damage, in relation to their faith both in God and in the Church. ...
Introduction: Although clergy-perpetrated child sexual abuse (CSA) implies severe traumatic repercussions for the victims, they may also experience posttraumatic growth (PTG) deriving from the need to deal with the trauma suffered. This PTG is associated with the processes of recovery, healing, and empowerment.
Objective: Applying a mixed methods approach to analyse PTG outcomes and to explore experiences of PTG in survivors of Spanish clergy-perpetrated CSA and its relation with psychosocial, mental and spiritual suffering.
Participants: Thirty-one survivors (M = 51.6 years; SD = 12.4) in the quantitative stage of the research, and seven (M = 49.3; SD = 8.9) in the qualitative stage.
Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study design was applied using standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive, correlation and thematic analyses were conducted. The quantitative and qualitative data were integrated.
Results: Positive associations were found between PTG and psychosocial and mental health problems (r = 0.53; p < .01), damage to faith in God (r = 0.43; p < .05) and damage to faith in the Church (r = 0.48; p < .01). Three themes emerged from the qualitative data that explained, expanded, and complemented the quantitative results, highlighting the relationship between damage and growth and the specific meanings of PTG from the perspectives of the survivors.
Conclusions: This study shows that survivors may develop PTG in the course of the processes of psychological suffering, spiritual transformation, and meaning-making of traumatic experiences.
... Barriers and promoters in PTG development have usually been studied independently. Aspects such as abuse-related shame (Willie et al., 2016), attachment styles based on anxiety and avoidance (Nelson et al., 2019), denial and dissociative beliefs (Lahav et al., 2020), a lack of support (Shakespeare-Finch & de Dassel, 2009) and greater adherence to traditional masculine norms in the case of men (Easton et al., 2013) can act as barriers to PTG. As for the promotors of PTG, some studies consider relationships to be the primary source of healing and growth, emphasizing peer support (Evans, 2020), more supportive contexts in which to make disclosures (Patterson et al., 2022), and the presence of safe, trustsupportive and enduring therapeutic and extra-therapeutic relationships (Chouliara & Narang, 2017;Dagan & Yager, 2019). ...
... The main PTG facilitators identified from the participant stories, such as turning points, social support, and introspection, have also been the subject of previous studies (Chouliara & Narang, 2017;Dagan & Yager, 2019;Evans, 2020;Patterson et al., 2022). In a quantitative study of clergy-perpetrated CSA survivors Easton et al. (2013), found an association between the development of PTG and the presence of turning points, perceived social support after disclosure, and understanding of the abusive experience. This was also demonstrated by Henson et al. (2021) in their more recent systematic review of factors that promote PTG. ...
A healing and recovery perspective related to child sexual abuse (CSA) has gained attention in the past two decades, a concept that accurately refers to the process is posttraumatic growth (PTG). Scarce empirical research on PTG in clergy-perpetrated CSA survivors shows evidence of the presence of growth after the abusive experience and a tendency to create accounts of trauma as a way to heal. The general aim of the study is to explore the experiences and meanings of PTG as lived by survi-vors of clergy-perpetrated CSA. Seven clergy-perpetrated CSA survivors were interviewed with semi-structured in-depth inter-views conducted in person. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified three dominant themes in the participants’ stories: (a) the hindering of PTG; (b) the meanings of PTG, and (c) the internal and contextual and facilitators of PTG. The present study brings new insights into the meanings of PTG, the close relationship between damage and growth, and the mechanisms (both internal and contextual) that are involved in healing from clergy-perpetrated CSA in Spanish culture.
... PTG has been investigated in response to victimization in adulthood (Elderton et al., 2017), childhood abuse and neglect (Sheridan & Carr, 2020;Tranter et al., 2020), and specifically in CSA survivors (Hartley et al., 2016;Lev-Wiesel, 2008). The relationship between PTG and other variables in the healing process has been studied in female and male CSA survivors (Kaye-Tzadok & Davidson-Arad, 2016;Saint Arnault & Sinko, 2019;Schaefer et al., 2018), as well as the importance of understanding the sexual abuse experience and ascribing it or not to traditional gender norms (Easton et al., 2013). ...
... While men are more likely to feel that sexual victimization may question their hegemonic masculinity and thus do not disclose their experience (Ralston, 2019), women are not only recognized as vulnerable victims, but are also blamed for this situation (Alaggia, 2005). Constructing a comprehensive narrative that gives meaning to the traumatic experience is essential for PTG development in both men and women (Draucker et al., 2011), so narratives and experiences of sexuality as well as the acknowledgment of victimization may be very important (Easton et al., 2013). These authors also found an association between PTG and non-normative masculinity for men. ...
Background:
Child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors can experience psychological changes and growth as a consequence of their victimization experience, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensionality, reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory - Short Form (PTGI-SF) (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996) in a sample of 104 adult survivors of CSA.
Method:
Different models of PTGI-SF validated in different languages and samples were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis.
Results:
The results showed that the original five-factor model exhibited the best goodness of fit. Internal consistency was adequate for the general scale, and acceptable for the five different factors. Furthermore, positive correlations were found between the PTGI-SF total score and psychosocial and mental health problems, as well as gender differences, with women tending to report more PTG than men.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that the Spanish PTGI-SF is a brief, reliable, valid self-report measure for assessing PTG experienced by CSA survivors.
... Research examining differences in CSA experiences between boys who went on to sexually offend compared to those who did not have indicated that it may be the experiences following the abuse, rather than during it, which more greatly affect adjustment [92,93]. What has recently been found to be related to psychological, social, and sexual adjustment following CSA victimization is in the recognition that the sexual encounter was abusive in nature as well as in the understanding that the adult who perpetrated the abuse is responsible and to blame for it [58 ••, 59, 60•]. ...
Purpose of Review
Sexual offending perpetrated by women has historically been overlooked and understudied, and the potentially unique impact of that abuse is even more so.
Recent Findings
Women who have sexually offended against children typically do so against older boys, use little or no forms of force or coercion during the abuse, and are unlikely to be prosecuted or sentenced following the abuse. Boys whom women have sexually abused are unlikely to report or disclose the abuse that they have experienced, perhaps because social structures surrounding sexual abuse of boys by women are designed to minimize, excuse, or even encourage such sexual contact. The intersection of these unique features may help understand the role of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by women in subsequent sexual offending among adult men.
Summary
Men who have sexually offended experience high rates of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by women. The relationship between experienced sexual abuse and subsequent perpetration of sexual abuse is neither linear nor causal; however, the characteristics associated with this form of abuse, such as non-disclosure and lack of sentencing, may contribute to adulthood sexual maladjustment and vulnerability to offending among men.
... Outside of the Rwandan context, studies by Yehuda, Halligan, and Bierer (2001) and Yehuda, Halligan, and Grossman (2001) on adult offspring of Holocaust survivors have found that they had higher levels of childhood trauma than a comparison group, and that these effects were driven by their parents' PTS symptoms. More generally, studies have linked childhood traumatic experiences to long-term PTG (Arpawong et al., 2016;Easton et al., 2013;Lev-Wiesel et al., 2004;Mohr & Rosén, 2017). However, quantitative research on the link between childhood traumatic experiences and secondary PTG is lacking. ...
Introduction: A strong link has been found between parental posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and child psychopathology, including secondary PTS symptoms. However, research is scarce on the association between parental PTS symptoms and child secondary posttraumatic growth (PTG). The current study aimed to investigate associations between parental PTS symptoms and children’s secondary PTG through childhood traumatic experiences, secondary PTS, and meaning-making among children of survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 26 years postgenocide. Method: A total of 305 Rwandan children of survivors (Mage = 23.31, SD = 2.42; 51.3% female), none of whom were alive during the genocide, were recruited through a Rwandan genocide survivor organization and completed an online survey. Path analysis was used to investigate two models of parental PTS symptoms (mother and father PTS symptoms). Results: As hypothesized, both models demonstrated adequate fit with the data. Neither mother’s nor father’s PTS symptoms were directly associated with children’s secondary PTG. However, several significant indirect pathways were detected linking parental PTS symptoms to children’s secondary PTG, including pathways via children’s secondary PTS symptoms, childhood traumatic experiences, and children’s meaning-making. Conclusion: Although longitudinal research is needed for a more robust examination of these pathways, the findings provide insight into the pathways linking parental PTS to children’s secondary PTG, and highlight the potential for meaning-making interventions to facilitate secondary PTG.
... Posttraumatic growth is defined as positive changes subsequent to trauma exposure which go beyond pre-trauma adjustment and which are displayed in an enhanced appreciation of life, changes in priorities, more meaningful relationships with others, a sense of increased personal strength, new possibilities for the future, and existential/spiritual thriving (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996;Tedeschi et al., 2018). Research has documented reports of PTG among survivors of various types of traumatic events (Brooks et al., 2020;Levi-Belz et al., 2020;Mark et al., 2018;Stein et al., 2020), among them childhood abuse (Easton et al., 2013;Kaye-Tzadok & Davidson-Arad, 2016;Lev-Wiesel et al., 2004;Mohr & Rosén, 2017;Schaefer et al., 2018;Shakespeare-Finch & De Dassel, 2009;Woodward & Joseph, 2003). ...
Childhood abuse puts individuals at risk for psychopathology and psychiatric symptoms such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety symptoms. At the same time, research has indicated that some survivors report positive transformations in the aftermath of their trauma, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Yet the essence of PTG reports is questionable, and some scholars claim that it may reflect maladaptive illusory qualities. Furthermore, according to a recent theoretical model, PTG might be dissociation-based and related to survivors' bonds with their perpetrators. This study aimed to explore these claims by assessing PTG, dissociation, and identification with the aggressor (IWA), as well as PTSD and anxiety symptoms. An online survey was conducted among 597 adult childhood abuse survivors. Study variables were assessed via self-report measures. Analyses indicated positive associations between PTG, dissociation, and IWA. Three distinct profiles were found, reflecting high, medium, and low scores on PTG, dissociation, and IWA. Profile type explained PTSD and anxiety symptoms above and beyond gender, age, and abuse severity. These findings suggest that whereas some childhood abuse survivors might experience a positive transformation subsequent to their trauma, others' PTG reports might reflect dissociative mechanisms and pathological attachments to their perpetrators , and thus might be maladaptive. ARTICLE HISTORY
... In provision of such care, there are unique gender-related factors that indicate that support and treatment for survivors of sexual harm need to be gender specific. 4,5 For example, cultural constructions of masculinity and males' internalised masculine norms alter the adverse effects of sexual harm for male survivors and produce a barrier to male survivors seeking support. 6,7 Furthermore, the predominant traditional dichotomy of gender as either male or female has meant that the support and treatment needs of gender-diverse survi-vors has gone largely unexamined and need to be considered in the provision of specialist services. ...
Aims:
This study examines the help-seeking behaviours of cisgender women, cisgender men and gender-diverse university students who have experienced sexual harm.
Methods:
We examine an existing data set from a cross-sectional survey of experiences of sexual harm among university students. Bivariate analyses were used to analyse the type of sexual harm experienced and subsequent help-seeking behaviours.
Results:
Although more cisgender women reported experiencing sexual harm, data from this survey demonstrates cisgender men and gender-diverse persons also report experiencing sexual harm. Of those who reported having experienced sexual harm, only a small proportion (27%) reported having told someone about their experience. People who told, most often told family or friends. Additionally, a small proportion of cisgender women told specialised sexual violence services or other services. Cisgender men were less likely to tell someone about their experience compared to cisgender women.
Conclusions:
Sexual harm affects students of all genders on campus but there may be differential help-seeking behaviours depending on gender. Cisgender men and gender-diverse persons may be less likely to reach out to formal service providers. Support services need to consider how to accommodate the support needs of all survivors, including cisgender men and gender-diverse persons.
... Formal psychological intervention may not be necessary for many men with a sexual abuse historyindeed sexual abuse exposure need not consign boys and men to lives of misery. Many men articulately reflect on experiences of post-traumatic growth 12 and positive identity development after abuse exposure. ...
The spectrum of adverse mental health trajectories caused by sexual abuse, broadly defined as exposure to rape and unwanted physical sexual contact, is well-known. Few studies have systematically appraised the epidemiology and impact of sexual abuse among boys and men. New meta-analytic insights (k = 44; n = 45 172) reported by Zarchev and colleagues challenge assumptions that men experiencing mental ill health rarely report sexual abuse exposure. Adult-onset sexual abuse rates of 1–7% are observed in the general population, but for men experiencing mental ill health, adult lifetime prevalence was 14.1% (95% CI 7.3–22.4%), with past-year exposure 5.3% (95% CI 1.6–12.8%). We note that these rates are certainly underestimates, as childhood sexual abuse exposures were excluded. Boys and men with a sexual abuse history experience substantial disclosure and treatment barriers. We draw attention to population health gains that could be achieved via implementation of gender-sensitive assessment and intervention approaches for this at-risk population.
... In doing so the men described gaining a sense of meaning of the abuse, a desire to help others and take back control of their lives. This finding is similar to that of Easton et al. (2013a) where men report that 'telling their story' was a process of working through their abuse experiences. Easton (2013b) reports that by working through their narrative the men reported lower levels of mental health distress (also see Easton et al., 2015 in relation to change, new meanings and taking back control). ...
There is increasing recognition of the occurrence and frequency of male childhood sexual abuse (MCSA). Quantitative and qualitative research has demonstrated a number of adverse outcomes associated with MCSA in terms of mental health, physical health and difficulties in behavioural, social or interrelationship functioning. The present study gives voice to male survivors of childhood sexual abuse by exploring themes around the impact of MCSA over the course of their life. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of semi-structured interviews with nine male survivors of childhood sexual abuse identified a single overarching theme of control and six related superordinate themes of: (i) responsibility, blame and shame; (ii) development of knowledge about sex and abuse; (iii) avoidance of coping with abuse; (iv) effects on relationships as adults; (v) disclosure of abuse to others; and (vi) gaining a sense of meaning of the abuse. The findings showed that being sexually abused defines and controls a person’s life, and that despite the difficulties experienced by victims to move past the abuse, some experienced a degree of personal growth. The findings illustrate the way in which individuals can create meaning around their abuse experiences and take back control.
... Skillful facilitation of group therapy (Sawyer & Jennings, 2016) can engage clients in helping each other make meaning of their experiences, thereby developing a sense of self-efficacy through the giving and receiving of mentoring and support (Nixon, 2020). In this way, clients can process trau ma and improve interpersonal skills, paving the way for resilience and post-traumatic growth, and reducing dynamic risk factors for reoffending (Easton et al., 2013;Tedeschi et al., 2015). Trauma-informed practices can be infused into cognitive-behavioral pro gramming with traditional SOTX goals of accepting responsibility, increasing empathy, correcting flawed thinking, building self-regulation skills, and devising plans to prevent re-offending (Bath & Seita, 2018;Steinkopf, 2021). ...
Background
A growing body of research documents the high rates of trauma among individuals who have sexually offended. Yet the relationship between prior victimization and subsequent sexual offending remained unclear. Objective: By including the voices and perspectives of individuals convicted of sexual offenses, we sought to strengthen professionals’ understanding of the connection between victimization and offending.
Method
This qualitative study used an online survey to collect data from individuals convicted of sexual offenses (n = 195) with the aims of understanding their perceptions of the link between trauma and offending and what they would like sex-offense treatment providers to know about this connection.
Results
Using grounded theory, five major themes emerged from the data analysis: Relationship between Trauma Offending (n = 91), Acknowledging the Connection (n = 57), Specific Effects of Trauma (n = 48), Individualized Treatment (n = 34), and Recognition of Humanity (n = 26).
Conclusions
The participants perceived a strong connection between one’s own victimization and subsequent sexual offending. In addition, they offered specific recommendations for treatment providers, including individualizing treatment with an emphasis on humanity and compassion. Implications for trauma-informed practice and policy are discussed.
... The event is not exactly what is being questioned by the individual during posttraumatic growth. Posttraumatic growth after unrelated experiences like loss (Thomadaki 2017), physical illness (Brix et al. 2013), war (Mahdi et al. 2014), migration (Teodorescu et al. 2012), and incurring sexual abuse during childhood (Easton et al. 2013) is reported (Tedeschi and Calhoun 2004). At this point, trauma itself is not the reason of growth but effort of individual in order to re-interpret the life and to change existing beliefs and perspective. ...
... norms experience more posttraumatic growth (Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, & Moorthy, 2013). Future studies might also consider using measures of attitudes toward masculinity as possible factors in the development of depression as well as engagement in any related MH care services in this population (Addis & Mahalik, 2003;. ...
At least 1 in 4 men are sexually abused or assaulted across their lifetime. Although many have significant negative mental health (MH) difficulties, relatively few seek formal MH treatment. This study sought to understand current engagement in and perceived helpfulness of MH treatment in male survivors. Eighty-eight men completed an online survey via a nonprofit organization’s website dedicated to providing support to male survivors. Men who reported that they received MH treatment in the past 90 days endorsed significantly higher adverse childhood experiences, as well as depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, compared with those who had not. Male survivors identified peer support, individual therapy and validation, and specific interventions as most helpful aspects of treatment. The least helpful aspects were therapists’ lack of knowledgeable about male sexual abuse, unhelpful or shaming responses, and avoidance of traumatic material, as well as financial and insurance constraints. Implications for fostering a more supportive, destigmatizing therapeutic environment for male survivors are discussed.
... Marotta-Walters (2015) suggested that the spiritual and religious beliefs associated with protection from a higher power, as represented by clergy members, may become distorted as a result of abuse experiences. Investigating correlates of PTG in a sample of 481 male survivors of CSA, Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, and Moorthy (2013) found that the variable of 'clergy-perpetrated abuse', as endorsed by 61.7% of the sample, was the only abuse characteristic that demonstrated a significant correlation to PTG. ...
Background
Institutional childhood abuse (ICA) represents a chronic and severe form of childhood maltreatment and is associated with a host of adverse outcomes. However, there is some evidence to suggest that survivors can also experience positive psychological change after institutional childhood abuse and neglect.
Objective
To examine the lived experiences of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in adult survivors of institutional childhood abuse.
Participants and setting
Nine survivors of historical institutional abuse in Ireland ranging in age from 41 to 75 years (M = 60.5).
Method
Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore survivors’ experiences of positive change after institutional upbringing. Data were analysed in the tradition of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).
Results
The analysis yielded two superordinate themes. The first major theme, ‘Survivor Identity’ described participant’s subjective understanding of their survivorship through five subthemes. The second major theme, ‘Engendering Growth’ comprised seven subthemes which collectively identified key factors and processes related to positive change and posttraumatic growth after significant early-life maltreatment.
Conclusions
Findings underscore the importance of supporting survivors to construct a comprehensive self-narrative that identifies their personal strengths and growthful experiences, whilst also acknowledging the continued distress associated with their unique survivorship trajectory.
... 6 Posttraumatic growth is the perception of positive change experienced after a stressor, translating into improvements in interpersonal relationships, greater appreciation of life and redefinition of objectives and personal priorities. 7 Evidence of posttraumatic growth exists in victims of sexual abuse, 8 parents of children with terminal disease 9 and cancer patients, 10 There is no consensus in the literature regarding how the processes underlying PTSD and posttraumatic growth interact. While several authors argue that posttraumatic growth results from PTSD, [13][14][15] others believe that the processes coexist in a curvilinear relationship. ...
Introduction
Experiencing trauma may entail psychopathological consequences, but also changes considered to be positive (i.e., posttraumatic growth). For positive change to occur, an impact on the beliefs of individuals is required, which may be measured through the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI). The objective of this study was to validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CBI.
Methods
A total of 248 university students (65.7% female) answered the following assessment instruments: sociodemographic data sheet, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Posttraumatic Symptoms Checklist – Clinician Version (PCL-5) and the CBI. Psychometric properties of the CBI were assessed by conducting an exploratory factor analysis through a principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) and convergent validity (Pearson correlation between instruments) were also investigated.
Results
The total scale showed adequate internal consistency (α = 0.83). A single factor solution explained 42.63% of the variance of the CBI. Significant correlations were found between CBI and PTGI, and between CBI and PCL-5.
Conclusion
The psychometric properties indicated adequate internal consistency and construct validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CBI.
... An example of this paradigm shift from the direct trauma literature is the conceptualization of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in comparison with posttraumatic stress. Studies examining PTG in survivors of trauma emphasize positive changes that occur in the sense of self, in relationships with others, and in overall quality of life perspective (Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, & Moorthy, 2013;Saimos, Rodzik, & Abel, 2012;Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). ...
The cumulative effects of chronic work-related stress pervasively and persistently affect the well-being of the human services workforce. As a preventive measure, the ongoing commitment to self-care strategies and resources is essential in maintaining a healthy and resilient professional quality of life. This article describes a holistic approach to cultivating professional resilience through the ongoing practice of self-care. A model for self-care using an ecological systems framework with activities across the biological, interpersonal, organizational, familial, peer-related, spiritual, and recreational aspects of the biopsychosocial self is proposed. Within this model, emphasis is placed on the role of compassion satisfaction and vicarious resilience as key components to fostering meaningful and rewarding careers for social workers.
... According to these frameworks, disclosure has the potential to lead to discussions that allow survivors to shift blame to the perpetrator, reduce feelings of guilt, increase personal agency, reclaim a positive self-identity, and gain higher levels of coherence. Scholars have started to investigate these propositions by conducting quantitative and qualitative studies on the role of disclosure and mental distress (Easton, 2014), internalizing and externalizing behaviors (Romano et al., 2019), suicidality (Easton & Renner, 2013), posttraumatic stress (Hébert et al., 2009), and post-traumatic growth (Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, & Moorthy, 2013). Rather than a dichotomous variable (i.e., whether or not the survivor told), other aspects of the disclosure process are being investigated, including, for example, timing of disclosure, support levels and types, and support networks following disclosure, and use of in-depth discussion to process or create meaning from the trauma. ...
... Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a common traumatic event that is associated with a number of adverse and chronic outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance use, sleep and eating disorders, and suicide attempts (Chen et al. 2010;Hillberg et al. 2011;Putnam 2003). Nonetheless, many survivors are resilient in the aftermath of abuse and some even report positive life changes (Domhardt et al. 2015;Easton et al. 2013) which indicates that there is considerable differences in outcomes. Coping strategies appear to play a role in understanding this variation in trajectories among adult CSA victims (Relyea and Ullman 2015;Ullman and Relyea 2016;Ullman et al. 2007). ...
Objectives
Although the use of coping strategies is recognized as playing a vital role in predicting the development of trauma-related symptoms, little research has identified what factors may contribute to the utilization, and perceived efficacy of, coping strategies following childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Research has not determined whether aspects of the CSA (e.g., duration, severity) and CSA-related factors such as abuse stressors (e.g., coercion, threats), abuse-related events (e.g., familial disruptions, legal system involvement), and maternal emotional support and blame/doubt correspond with children’s coping use and perceived effectiveness.
Methods
The current study investigated whether CSA characteristics, abuse stress, and maternal support were related to children’s utilization and perceived efficacy of active/social, internalized, angry, and avoidant coping strategies among 141 sexually abused children aged 7–12 (M= 9.72, SD= 1.50).
Results
Children used nearly 7 types of coping strategies (M= 6.71, SD = 1.63). Longer CSA duration was associated with utilization of internalized and avoidant coping, and maternal blame/doubt predicted the use of avoidant coping. Girls utilized angry coping more frequently than boys. CSA characteristics and abuse stress were largely unrelated to children’s perceived coping efficacy. Minority children reported higher levels of perceived efficacy of internalized strategies than white children.
Conclusions
CSA duration may be important in understanding children’s utilization of internalized and avoidant coping strategies and maternal blame/doubt may be related to children’s use of avoidant coping. However, CSA characteristics and abuse stress may ultimately have little bearing on sexually abused children’s use and perceived efficacy of coping strategies.
... The event is not exactly what is being questioned by the individual during posttraumatic growth. Posttraumatic growth after unrelated experiences like loss (Thomadaki 2017), physical illness (Brix et al. 2013), war (Mahdi et al. 2014), migration (Teodorescu et al. 2012), and incurring sexual abuse during childhood (Easton et al. 2013) is reported (Tedeschi and Calhoun 2004). At this point, trauma itself is not the reason of growth but effort of individual in order to re-interpret the life and to change existing beliefs and perspective. ...
Although it is known that trauma can cause serious mental disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, it is also emphasized that it may cause a positive change in the individual for the last 25 years. This positive change is generally referred as ‘posttraumatic growth’. Recent studies related to posttrau-matic growth focus on the factors that can be affective on growth. Although there are very few studies conducted, sense of coherence is one of the most recent concepts in terms of its correleation with posttraumatic growth. The aim of this review was to discuss the effect of sense of coherence on post-traumatic growth with emphasis on current literature.
... The literature in this section focused on gender differences and studies with boy victims. For a broader view on adult MSA see Foster (2016), Easton (2013), Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, and Moorthy (2013), Easton, Saltzman, and Willis (2014), Lew (2004), andSiegel (2003).) ...
Previous research on children’s narratives about sexual abuse written predominately by girls uncovered several themes, including: (a) memories of the abuse, (b) the disclosure and subsequent events, and (c) the healing journey and a meta-theme titled “fear and safety.” This follow-up study explored how boys describe their life prior to, during, and after sexual abuse in the form of trauma narratives and if there are distinctive features of boys’ experiences that differ from those of girls. Analysis of narratives written by males ages 3 to 17 (N = 19) found that boys ascribe to the same themes as the initial research but also have experiences and perspectives that are unique to being male survivors. This article focuses on the first two themes: memories of the abuse and the disclosure and subsequent events. Gender differences are discussed along with recommendations for prevention of male sexual abuse.
... Gender-specific services are also important, as women have specific empowerment needs that reflect the link between poverty, violence, and mental health symptoms (Covington & Bloom, 2007;East & Roll, 2015;Elliott et al., 2005;Topitzes, Mersky, & Reynolds, 2011). Men with childhood abuse histories also require relevant interventions (Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, & Moorthy, 2013;Levenson et al., 2016). For instance, responses to family dysfunction may manifest in different ways: Teenage boys may gravitate toward gangs or delinquency for a sense of connection and inclusion, and teenage girls may be prone to early pregnancy if they long for someone to love them. ...
Social workers frequently encounter clients with a history of trauma. Trauma-informed care is a way of providing services by which social workers recognize the prevalence of early adversity in the lives of clients, view presenting problems as symptoms of maladaptive coping, and understand how early trauma shapes a client's fundamental beliefs about the world and affects his or her psychosocial functioning across the life span. Trauma-informed social work incorporates core principles of safety, trust, collaboration, choice, and empowerment and delivers services in a manner that avoids inadvertently repeating unhealthy interpersonal dynamics in the helping relationship. Trauma-informed social work can be integrated into all sorts of existing models of evidence-based services across populations and agency settings, can strengthen the therapeutic alliance, and facilitates posttraumatic growth.
... Til að baeta þjónustu fyrir karla með reynslu af KOB er mikilvaegt fyrir fagfólk að vera upplýst um hugsanlegar afleiðingar og taka tillit til sérstöðu karlmanna í áaetlun og meðferð (Easton, Coohey, Rhodes & Moorthy, 2013). Einnig er mikilvaegt að meta karlmenn sérstaklega með tilliti til aukinnar haettu á sjálfsvígum eftir KOB (Pérez-Fuentes o.fl., 2013). ...
Alþjóðlegar rannsóknir hafa sýnt að kynferðislegt ofbeldi í æsku getur haft víðtæk, alvarleg og langvinn áhrif á heilsufar og líðan þolenda. Markmið rannsóknarinnar var að auka þekkingu og dýpka skilning á áhrifum kynferðislegs ofbeldis í æsku á íslenska karla. Rannsóknaraðferðin var fyrirbærafræði og voru tvö viðtöl tekin við sjö karla á aldrinum 30-65 ára, samtals 14 viðtöl. Meginniðurstaðan er að líf karlanna hefur verið mikil
þrautaganga og þjáning þeirra ristir enn djúpt. Í flestum tilfellum virðast þeir beina tilfinningum sínum talsvert út á við (externalization) sem birtist í því að þeir leiðast í miklum mæli út í áfengis- og fíkniefnamisnotkun, afbrot og áhættuhegðun. Ásamt því að vera með einkenni ofvirkni eru þeir með einkenni flókinnar áfallastreituröskunar. Þeim leið mjög illa á æsku- og fullorðinsárum og notuðu ýmis bjargráð til að lifa af,
einkum tilfinningalega aftengingu og flótta frá aðstæðum. Þeir telja mikilvægt að vinna með áföllin til að fá frelsi frá þjáningunni, komast í tengsl við tilfinningar sínar og mynda dýpri tengsl við aðra og læra að lifa með þessari skelfilegu reynslu. Mikilvægt er að fagfólk þekki áhrif kynferðislegs ofbeldis í æsku til að geta veitt einstaklingum með slíka reynslu viðeigandi stuðning. Þá þarf að þróa skilvirkari meðferðarúrræði til að minnka
þjáningu þeirra og efla forvarnir til að fyrirbyggja að börn þurfi að þola slíkt.
... 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). ...
Although adaptive meanings of childhood maltreatment (CM) are critical to posttraumatic adaptation, little is known about perceptions of posttraumatic change (PTC) during the vulnerable postpartum period. PTC may be positive or negative as well as global or situational. This study examined general and parenting-specific PTC among 100 postpartum women with CM histories (Mage=29.5 years). All reported general and 83% reported parenting PTC. General PTC were more likely to include negative and positive changes; parenting PTC were more likely to be exclusively positive. Indicators of more severe CM (parent perpetrator, more CM experiences) were related to parenting but not general PTC. Concurrent demographic risk moderated associations between number of CM experiences and positive parenting PTC such that among mothers with more CM experiences, demographic risk was associated with stronger positive parenting PTC. Results highlight the significance of valence and specificity of PTC for understanding meanings made of CM experiences.
... First, as all participants were female, observations cannot be conferred to men. It is possible that men experience growth after coping with CSA in a significantly different way, especially in the context of gender stereotype issues (e.g., Easton, Coohey, Rhodes, & Moorthy, 2013). It is also unclear how these results relate to the experience of growth following extrafamilial sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect, and there is considerable scope for future studies to understand differences and similarities in PTG experiences in these populations. ...
Potential negative sequelae for survivors of child sexual abuse is well documented. However, growing evidence suggests that some individuals who actively cope with traumatic events can progress from a negative trajectory toward positive psychological change, often termed posttraumatic growth. Current posttraumatic growth theories may be of limited applicability to developmental considerations involved in child sexual abuse. This explorative study examines posttraumatic growth among adult female survivors of child sexual abuse. In-depth interviews were conducted with six participants who believed they had grown through coping with their abuse. Data was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate and nine subordinate themes were identified and explored. Some participants reported experiencing growth and distress simultaneously. Theoretical and clinical implications are examined in relation to the study’s findings.
This qualitative study analyzes victims’ narratives of male-on-male child molestation within the Boy Scouts of America. The focus of previous literature on sex crime victims mostly centered on how to avoid sex offenders based on the offenders’ behaviors and effective victims’ treatment plans to alleviate their posttrauma as a result of sexual abuse. Yet studies have not provided detailed descriptions of when and how to resist sexual advances to children when such incidents are in progress within youth-oriented institutions. Few have examined victim narratives to discover the dynamics of child molestation, such as physical and verbal interactions between the two parties while sexual touching is occurring. The author used victims’ narratives to identify how boy victims responded to unwanted sexual advances by scout leaders within the Boy Scouts of America. Based on qualitative-oriented analysis, this study presents verbal and physical resisting patterns of male victims and the effectiveness of such actions in terminating sexual advances. The findings suggest practical and potential intervention strategies so children know how to stop adult perpetrators from developing unwanted touching within youth-centric institutions.
Bu araştırmada sosyal medya kullanıcısı genç yetişkinlerin ikincil travmatik stres düzeyleri ile strese bağlı büyüme deneyimleri arasındaki ilişkide kendi kendine stres yapmanın aracı rolü incelenmiştir. Araştırmaya yaş ortalaması 21,39 olan 79’u erkek, 225’i kadın olmak üzere 304 katılımcı dâhil edilmiştir. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak Sosyal Medya Kullanıcıları İçin İkincil Travmatik Stres Ölçeği, Kendi Kendine Stres Yapma Ölçeği ve Strese Bağlı Büyüme Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler SPSS ve JASP paket programları kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin analizinde t-testi, korelasyon ve aracılık testinden yararlanılmıştır. Bulgular ikincil travmatik stres ile kendi kendine stres yapma puanları açısından kadın ve erkekler arasında anlamlı bir farklılık olduğunu göstermiştir. Ayrıca kendi kendine stres yapma ve ikincil travmatik stres ile strese bağlı büyüme arasında negatif yönde anlamlı ilişkiler bulunurken kendi kendine stres yapma ile ikincil travmatik stres arasında pozitif yönlü anlamlı ilişkilerin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Son olarak ikincil travmatik stres ile strese bağlı büyüme arasındaki ilişkide kendi kendine stres yapmanın aracı rolü olduğu görülmüştür. Bulgular alanyazın doğrultusunda tartışılmış olup sonraki araştırmalar için çeşitli öneriler sunulmuştur.
Objective: To evaluate post-traumatic growth experienced by medical doctors who served coronavirus disease-2019 patients. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022, at the Civil Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical doctors of either gender aged >22 years who directly provided care for at least one month to coronavirus disease-2019 patients. Other than demographic and professional profile of the subjects, data was collected using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, with total score ≥60 indicating a positive post-traumatic growth. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 166 subjects approached, 150(90.3%) finished the study. There were 90(60%) females, 88(58.7%) were aged 25-35 years, 55(36.7%) were married, 107(71.3%) were postgraduate trainees, 79(52.7%) had 1-3 family members in the vulnerable groups, and 43(28.7%) had received any sort of psychological training. The mean post-traumatic growth score was 64.81±20.27 and 87(58%) doctors scored ≥60. The odds of experiencing post-traumatic growth for doctors with the number of vulnerable family members were significant (p<0.05). Doctors who had received psychological training before providing care to coronavirus disease-2019 patients showed higher odds of experiencing post-traumatic growth (p<0.05). Conclusion: Coronavirus disease-2019 resulted in substantial positive psychological growth for frontline doctors. Psychological training showed a significant role in post-traumatic growth.
Objective:
To evaluate post-traumatic growth experienced by medical doctors who served coronavirus disease 2019 patients.
Methods:
The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022, at the Civil Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical doctors of either gender aged >22 years who directly provided care for at least one month to coronavirus disease-2019 patients. Other than demographic and professional profile of the subjects, data was collected using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, with total score ≥60 indicating a positive post-traumatic growth. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.
Results:
Of the 166 subjects approached, 150(90.3%) finished the study. There were 90(60%) females, 88(58.7%) were aged 25-35 years, 55(36.7%) were married, 107(71.3%) were postgraduate trainees, 79(52.7%) had 1-3 family members in the vulnerable groups, and 43(28.7%) had received any sort of psychological training. The mean post traumatic growth score was 64.81±20.27 and 87(58%) doctors scored ≥60. The odds of experiencing post- traumatic growth for doctors with the number of vulnerable family members were significant (p<0.05). Doctors who had received psychological training before providing care to coronavirus disease-2019 patients showed higher odds of experiencing post-traumatic growth (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
Coronavirus disease-2019 resulted in substantial positive psychological growth for frontline doctors. Psychological training showed a significant role in post-traumatic growth.
Background
Little is known about the relationship between childhood maltreatment and well-being in young adults, including the role of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in promoting better outcomes for young adults who have a history of childhood maltreatment (HCM).
Objective
To examine the relationship between child maltreatment and well-being among young adults, by considering the perpetrator and the extent of the maltreatment, as well as PTG among young adults with a HCM.
Participants and setting
The sample comprised 537 young adults (aged 18–25; M = 21.09 years, SD = 2.36) from across Australia, with 182 young adults in the sample forming the cohort with a HCM.
Method
Participants' current well-being, the extent of maltreatment by their mother, father and other adults experienced as a child (<18 years), and PTG was collected using an online survey. Tests of group differences and multiple regression were conducted to analyse the relationships between child maltreatment, PTG, and current well-being.
Results
Maltreatment by one's mother or father predicted poorer current well-being, but not maltreatment by another adult. Young adults who identified as having a HCM had poorer well-being than those who did not. Within the cohort of those with a HCM, greater PTG predicted greater well-being, and also mitigated the negative relationship between child maltreatment by one's father and well-being.
Conclusion
Findings indicate that both the extent of child maltreatment and the relationship to the perpetrator have implications for well-being among young adults. PTG appeared to play a protective role, highlighting the potential therapeutic benefit of fostering PTG to improve well-being among young adults with a HCM.
Trauma is a global phenomenon that affects millions each year. Recovery from trauma is challenging and approaches vary between cultures and models. Faith and spirituality have long-been traditional modes for healing in cultures worldwide. However, through a largely Western-dominated medical model of treatment, healing through religion and spirituality had been often overlooked in favor of medical diagnoses and psychiatric treatment. The ability to recover from traumatic circumstances and adversity is known as resilience. Yet there is limited research available on how faith and spirituality may build resilience in the aftermath of trauma and its application in developing countries, such as Cambodia. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand what factors, including faith and spirituality, had enabled the recovery from trauma of Cambodian young people, through the collection of their oral narratives. The young people reported that coping strategies, such as faith and spirituality, played a role in in transforming their lived traumatic experiences into strengths. This paper explores faith as a resilience factor and how faith and spirituality may support healing and positive-growth outcomes for young Cambodians recovering from trauma.
Background: Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) can have serious and farreaching consequences for the health and well-being of both men and
women. In order to develop a holistic program for Icelandic survivors of CSA
it is important to base such a program on in-depth knowledge and
understanding of these consequences for CSA survivors in Iceland within the
healthcare system.
Aim: To increase the knowledge and deepen the understanding of the
consequences of CSA, for both Icelandic men and women, in order to
increase nurses’ and other healthcare professionals´ competence in giving
gender appropriate care to CSA survivors. To develop and explore a holistic
therapy for female CSA survivors, from the women´s own perspective and
look into the experience of the healthcare system.
Methods: A phenomenological research approach was used, to increase the
knowledge and deepen the understanding of the above phenomena. In Study
I, participants were seven Icelandic men with a history of CSA. Two
interviews were conducted with each of them, a total of 14 interviews. In
Study II the experience of these seven men and seven Icelandic women
(from another study of the author) were compared, 28 interviews in total. In
Study III seven interviews were conducted with one Icelandic woman with a
long trauma history after CSA. In Study IV 10 Icelandic women who
participated in the Wellness-Program, a holistic program for female CSA
survivors that was developed by the author, were interviewed thrice, a total of
30 interviews. Thus, in all, 65 interviews were used as the basis for this
thesis.
Results: The main results of the studies were that the consequences of
CSA, for both men and women, were serious for their health and well-being.
They felt they had not received adequate support and understanding from
healthcare professionals, but participation in the Wellness-Program seemed
to improve the health and well-being of those attending.
In study I the men’s experience of CSA was characterized by broken selfidentity and self-image, anger and fear. They were bullied, had learning
difficulties and had been hyperactive, displayed criminal behaviour, misused
alcohol and drugs. They had numerous complex health problems and
physical and psychological disconnection. They had difficulty relating to their
spouses and children, had gone through divorce and were all divorced noncustodial fathers. They lived in silent and painful suffering because of their
10
own prejudice and from the society and did not seek help or talk about the
CSA until they were adults.
In Study II, gender differences were found in the consequences of CSA.
Women had a greater tendency to internalize their emotional suffering, which
was later observed in complex health problems. The men, however, had a
greater tendency to externalize their emotional suffering, observed in various
problems and antisocial behaviour.
Study III showed that CSA and a long trauma history can have serious and
destructive effects on health. The participant had severe physical problems
such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, recurring problems in the pelvic area as
well as cancer. She had symptoms of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder)
and felt she had not met adequate understanding and support in the
healthcare system.
In Study IV the women who participated in the Wellness-Program were in the
beginning of the program socially isolated and had complicated health
problems. Their self-esteem was low, they could not work or study and their
lack of wellbeing significantly impacted their families and their own quality of
life. Positive results were found regarding all these aspects in the
participating women 12 to 15 months after the program. All were active in
work, study or in further rehabilitation.
Conclusions: CSA can have serious and far-reaching consequences for the
health and well-being of both Icelandic men and women and their suffering
can be deep. It is important for healthcare professionals to know and
recognize the symptoms regarding the consequences of CSA to be better
able to provide support and gender-specific care. It is important to continue to
develop a holistic program for female CSA survivors in Iceland as well as to
develop such program for men survivors of CSA. Through an organized
program much can be gained for the individual, his family and society as a
whole.
This study examined details of behavioural sequences that constitute male-on-male child molestation within the Boy Scouts of America based on the narratives reported by child victims. Previous studies largely focused on convicted offenders when reconstructing the circumstances of child molestations. Also, sex crime literature did not consistently distinguish victim's gender and age when it comes to child victims and child molestation in an educational setting. Such loopholes have made the significances of the behavioural patterns in male-on-male child molestation unknown. This qualitative study analyses the verbal and behavioural patterns of male adult scoutmaster perpetrators against boy victims at the physical contact stage. Using a fishing metaphor, we identify unique behavioural sequences of scoutmaster perpetrators and explain the implications of such behaviours in male-on-male child molestation. Details of three unique behavioural patterns of scoutmaster perpetrators in male-on-male child molestation within the Boy Scouts of America are discussed.
Dieser Beitrag bezieht sich dezidiert auf den Umgang mit Interviewdaten, die auf Gesprächen mit Betroffenen von sexualisierter Gewalt basieren. Es wird versucht sich einer Sicht von Betroffenen sexualisierter Gewalt auf die Archivierung und Sekundärverwertung von Interviews zu nähern. In dem Zuge werden mögliche Verallgemeinerungen der Betroffenensicht diskutiert. Ausgehend von diesen werden Schlussfolgerungen für eine Archivierung und Sekundärverwertung entwickelt, welche die teils divergierenden Interessenlagen von Forschenden und Betroffenen berücksichtigen. Abschließend wird folgender Vorschlag gemacht, um eine Archivierung und Sekundärverwertung unter Berücksichtigung der benannten Anforderungen zu organisieren. Die Interviewtranskripte werden nach Abschluss des primären Forschungsprojektes in die Verfügungsgewalt der jeweiligen Interviewpartner*innen übergeben. Ein möglicher Lösungsansatz besteht in einer „Kontaktbörse Forschung“, über welche Betroffene und Forscher*innen in Kontakt treten können. Betroffene könnten über diesen Weg die Transkripte selbstbestimmt zur Verfügung stellen.
Objectives: Research has long established that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to a range of negative psychological consequences, including posttraumatic stress symptoms. It is also increasingly recognized that ACEs can serve as a catalyst for positive changes, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG). The mechanisms by which people report negative or positive changes are less well known. This study explored whether emotional resilience and event centrality could determine the degree of negative or positive changes reported following ACEs. Method: Participants (N = 167; 54.5% female; aged 19–95 years) completed an online survey measuring experiences of childhood adversity, resilience, event centrality, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and PTG. Results: Mediation analyses indicated that resilience and event centrality explained PTG only, exerting significant medium negative and small positive indirect effects on PTG, respectively. Conclusions: These findings indicate that following ACEs, the treatment and management of emotional resilience and event centrality could lead to positive effects on psychological well-being.
To protect children victims of sexual abuse three steps are required: disclosure, reporting and notification of violence. This documentary research examined health records of 35 boys victims of sexual abuse assisted in a Brazilian public institution. The aim of the study was to trace the process of restoring protection to the child victim. Results showed 64 different types of symptoms triggering the disclosure, denoting much suffering by the children. There were eleven institutions involved in the reporting of violence. The one with most cases was the Child Protection Agency (45.7%), followed by the school (28.6%). Notification was carried out in 51.2% of the cases, showing a lack of preparation of the institutions to report the violation of rights. To ensure child protection it is necessary to enhance the presence of protective devices available in society, and to support initiatives to improve institutional staff training.
Maternal support and abuse severity are often considered to be vital factors in predicting children’s functioning following childhood sexual abuse (CSA); however, much of the prior research has examined support and abuse severity as main effects, without consideration of how these factors may interrelate to predict children’s post-CSA functioning. Further, even though mediators and moderators are conceptually distinct, maternal support has been theorized to be both a mediator and a moderator of symptoms, and it is unclear if support acts as either among sexually abused children. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether caregiver-reported maternal support mediates or moderates the relationships between sexual abuse severity and children’s trauma-related symptoms. The study included 235 treatment-seeking children ages 3–16 (M = 8.85, SD = 3.77) and their non-offending mothers. Contrary to expectations, caregiver-rated maternal support did not mediate nor moderate the relationship between abuse severity and children’s symptoms (range r² =.002 –.03). Caregiver-rated maternal support may play a small role in mitigating sexually abused children’s trauma symptoms. Irrespective of abuse severity, children with less supportive mothers may not be at heightened risk for experiencing higher levels of trauma-related difficulties.
Background:
Empirical research on the impact of early disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) on survivor health is limited and mixed. One recent study found that early disclosure may actually be detrimental for abuse cessation and adult symptomatology (Swingle et al., 2016). The current study re-examined the effects of early disclosure and related variables on long-term mental health for men with histories of CSA.
Objective:
The primary aims of this study were to: a) investigate whether early disclosure and response to early disclosure were related to mental distress in adulthood, and b) examine whether having an in-depth discussion and timing of that discussion were related to mental distress in adulthood.
Participants and setting:
Data were collected from a large, non-clinical sample of male survivors (N = 487), ranging in age from 19 to 84 years, through an online, anonymous survey.
Methods:
Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted by entering groups of variables in four steps: control variables, CSA severity, disclosure, and discussion.
Results:
Overall, models explained between 24-28% of the variance in mental distress. None of the CSA severity variables reached significance. Both early disclosure (β = -0.126, p = 0.003) and response to first disclosure (β = -0.119, p = 0.006) were significant protective factors in Model 3. In the final model, having an in-depth discussion (β = -0.085, p = <0.036) and years until discussion (β = 0.102, p = 0.029) were also related to mental distress.
Conclusions:
Results support the merits of early disclosure and discussion on long-term mental health. Implications for future research and practice are presented.
This study investigated the directional relationship between adults' (N = 292) attachment styles and perceived impact of child sexual abuse with their experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Structural equation modeling results identified that attachment style served as a partial mediator between trauma and PTG scores, with the mediating effect contributing to 8% of the variance in the presence of PTG (p < .05; standardized coefficient = −.31).
Childhood sexual abuse of males is not uncommon with estimated prevalence rates across countries and different studies indicating that 8% of boys experience sexual abuse before age 18. A number of adverse outcomes are recognized in terms of mental health, behavioral, and relational difficulties. However, research also indicates that there is potential for healing. The present study explores the barriers, benefits, and processes involved in engagement in formal therapy for adult survivors of CSA from the male survivor’s point of view. Nine men spoke of their treatment experiences in response to semistructured interviews. Participants were all members of a group for male survivors of sexual abuse. Seven participants reported benefiting from treatment. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of the interviews identified three superordinate themes: “motivation to engage in treatment,” “developing a connection with treatment providers,” and “changing thinking about the abuse.” These themes reveal a number of obstacles that are encountered in seeking treatment including stigma, process barriers, and engagement of a skilled and empathic therapist. For the men who were able to take part in therapy despite these barriers, improved quality of life were noted through the two primary mechanisms of relationship and changed thinking. Key changes in thinking included developing an awareness that they were not responsible for the abuse, understanding the effects of abuse, and developing an identity distinct from the experience of abuse. These changes in thinking occurred within the context of a robust therapeutic relationship.
Despite theoretical postulations that individuals' conformity to masculine norms is differentially related to mental health-related outcomes depending on a variety of contexts, there has not been any systematic synthesis of the empirical research on this topic. Therefore, the authors of this study conducted meta-analyses of the relationships between conformity to masculine norms (as measured by the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-94 and other versions of this scale) and mental health-related outcomes using 78 samples and 19,453 participants. Conformity to masculine norms was modestly and unfavorably associated with mental health as well as moderately and unfavorably related to psychological help seeking. The authors also identified several moderation effects. Conformity to masculine norms was more strongly correlated with negative social functioning than with psychological indicators of negative mental health. Conformity to the specific masculine norms of self-reliance, power over women, and playboy were unfavorably, robustly, and consistently related to mental health-related outcomes, whereas conformity to the masculine norm of primacy of work was not significantly related to any mental health-related outcome. These findings highlight the need for researchers to disaggregate the generic construct of conformity to masculine norms and to focus instead on specific dimensions of masculine norms and their differential associations with other outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record
Research shows that child sexual abuse (CSA) can have detrimental effects on adult functioning. While much research regarding the effects of CSA on parenting of mothers is available, there is a dearth of information on how CSA impacts fatherhood. This literature review finds that the parenting experiences of male survivors are characterized by self-perceptions as adequate parents, deficient parenting as measured by standardized instruments, conceptualization of parenting as an intergenerational legacy and potential healing experience, fear of becoming an abuser, and physical and emotional distance from their children. These themes are strongly related to social discourses on intergenerational cycle of violence theories. Fatherhood is not exclusively problematic for male survivors and can be a healing experience and a source of strength for some survivors. Based on literature concerning male survivors who are parents, narrative therapy is recommended as a therapeutic model to explore how fathers who are survivors challenge dominant discourses around legacies of family violence, intergenerational parenting deficiencies, and victimization. Restorying fatherhood as a healing opportunity is essential when working with fathers who are male survivors and their families.
In this article a person-centred therapist discusses how, in the aftermath of trauma and crisis, people can move beyond depressive reality, and how the concept of the actualizing tendency can help in understanding this process. The author examines research on the impact of a nadir event, the experience of one of the very lowest points of life. Those who survive severe trauma often lose their faith in God, their trust in others and their sense of meaning. Their world has become a psychological desert empty of hope, and some accept this as a depressive reality. Yet as a result of the actualizing tendency, some trauma survivors see their desert start to bloom. They experience positive growth, including renewed appreciation of life, recognition of personal strength, a sense of new possibilities, better relationships, new meaning in existence, a greater sense of connection to something greater than themselves, and deeper compassion. Meaning making is an important factor in growth, and reflection seems to play an important role. The author considers the special case of childhood sexual abuse, and discusses implications for therapy for all types of nadir experiences.
Studies with male survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) are limited in focus and only one study, to date, has explored survivor perceptions of sexual assault treatment services. The current study, sought to deepen the understanding of survivor experience by identifying the triggers and barriers for seeking support as well as how survivors overcome these barriers. A cluster case study design was used with three adult males. A hermeneutic analysis was utilized to identify and explore meanings from male survivor perspectives. The study found male survivors dealt with barriers to support, through a range of strategies, including adopting helping others, rather than seeking sexual assault treatment services. Hermeneutic analysis was identified as an empowering process that enabled male survivors express their experiences. Large scale studies are needed to explore the potential wide range of male survivor experience.
The process of adaptation to stressful life events can be different from person to person, leading to distress but also to positive changes, subsumed under the rubric of post-traumatic growth (PTG). It is a process of personal transformation that may result from dealing with a traumatic event. PTG is a complex phenomenon, similar to the concept of psychological or eudaimonic well-being, where positivity and distress may coexist. Investigations show that the relationships between PTG, well-being, and distress could be described using a curvilinear model, where distress is required to start the growth process, but high levels of distress prevent the growth process from occurring. In this chapter, we analyze recent literature on PTG, psychological well-being, and distress in various types of trauma, including medical illnesses. Current limitations and inconsistent findings are highlighted.
Departing from a deprivation approach to the study of trauma, a small body of literature has recently emerged that examines positive, rather than negative, post-trauma changes. Studies to date have focused on individuals' positive reactions to a personally endured traumatic event for example, as bereaved parents, living with HIV/AIDS, or surviving cancer. Negative symptoms following a traumatic event that is experienced during the course of fulfilling professional obligations (e.g., in ambulance, fire and police services), are reported to be akin to the negative post-trauma symptoms found in direct survivors of a traumatic event. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of self-reported positive changes (posttraumatic growth) in emergency ambulance personnel, a population that are readily exposed to potentially traumatic incidents. Results indicated that a large proportion of both seasoned ambulance personnel and new recruits to the service, perceived positive changes in themselves that they attributed to having experienced a traumatic event at work. A significant mean difference was also detected between personnel who had endured a personal trauma in addition to a work-related trauma (n = 281) and personnel who had endured trauma only in the course of their employment responsibilities (n = 217). The study supports theoretical and clinical expectations that the experience of occupational trauma can act as a catalyst for significant positive post-trauma changes.
Cancer may be viewed as a psychosocial transition with the potential for positive and negative outcomes. This cross-sectional study (a) compared breast cancer (BC) survivors’ (n = 70) self-reports of depression, well-being, and posttraumatic growth with those of age- and education-matched healthy comparison women (n = 70) and (b) identified correlates of posttraumatic growth among BC survivors. Groups did not differ in depression or well-being, but the BC group showed a pattern of greater posttraumatic growth, particularly in relating to others, appreciation of life, and spiritual change. BC participants’ posttraumatic growth was unrelated to distress or well-being but was positively associated with perceived life-threat, prior talking about breast cancer, income, and time since diagnosis. Research that has focused solely on detection of distress and its correlates may paint an incomplete and potentially misleading picture of adjustment to cancer.
People often report perceptions of benefit from adverse life experiences. In this study, adult perceptions of benefit from child sexual abuse were examined in a sample of 154 low-income women who were sexually abused as children. Almost half reported some perceived benefit. The benefits fell into 4 main categories: protecting children from abuse, self-protection, increased knowledge of child sexual abuse, and having a stronger personality. Degree of perceived benefit was associated with several indicators of adult adjustment. In addition, those who perceived themselves as stronger had higher self-esteem, and those who perceived increased sexual abuse knowledge viewed others more favorably and were more comfortable getting close to others, when compared with other respondents.
This article describes the construction of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI), and 5 studies that examined its psychometric properties. Factor analysis indicated 11 distinct factors: Winning, Emotional Control, Risk-Taking, Violence, Dominance, Playboy, Self-Reliance, Primacy of Work, Power Over Women, Disdain for Homosexuals, and Pursuit of Status. Results from Studies 2–5 indicated that the CMNI had strong internal consistency estimates and good differential validity comparing men with women and groups of men on health-related questions; all of the CMNI subscales were significantly and positively related to other masculinity-related measures, with several subscales being related significantly and positively to psychological distress, social dominance, aggression, and the desire to be more muscular, and significantly and negatively to attitudes toward psychological help seeking and social desirability; and CMNI scores had high test–retest estimates for a 2–3 week period.
Background/Purpose: Men who were sexually abused during childhood (MSAC) represent a highly stigmatized, marginalized population at risk for a variety of psychological problems across the lifespan (Draper et al., 2008; Talbot et al., 2009). Child sexual abuse (CSA) has the potential to negatively affect numerous dimensions of a survivor's life (e.g., mental health, relationships, work history). Researchers have found that CSA increases the risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, divorce, suicide, and others (Holmes & Slap, 1998; Putnam, 2003). However, few researchers have examined why some MSAC incur mental health problems and others do not. The purpose of this study was to identify which factors are related to mental distress among MSAC using a psychosocial trauma processing model: account-making (Harvey et al., 1991).
Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, the researcher collected data through an anonymous, online, 150-item survey. Participants were recruited through an email campaign and a web page announcement through three national survivor organizations: the Survivors' Network of those Abused by Priests, MaleSurvivor, and 1in6.org. The sample consisted of 487 MSAC, one of the largest studies to date on this population. Most participants were Caucasian (90.9%), were living with a spouse/partner (69.9%), and had a college degree (58.1%). The major domains that were examined included abuse severity, disclosure and account-making, conformity to masculine norms (Mahalik et al., 2003) post-traumatic growth (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Data were analyzed using multiple regression analyses (OLS).
Results: Multivariate analyses for the final direct effects model revealed that high conformity to masculine norms, account-making stage, and two disclosure variables (told after one year, overall response to disclosure) were related to higher levels of mental distress. Three control variables were also related to mental distress: older age, childhood stressors, and current stressors. Posttraumatic growth moderated the relationship between abuse severity (force, penetration) and mental distress.
Conclusions and Implications: As one of the first studies to examine disclosure across the lifespan, use standardized measures of PTG and masculinity, and apply account-making theory to this population, this study advanced our knowledge of the mental health of MSAC. Beyond generating knowledge, this study also had important practical implications. For example, mental health practitioners should assess clients for adherence to traditional masculine norms, and help deconstruct rigid, exaggerated norms. The results of this study also indicate that practitioners should concentrate on Axis IV stressors as they have a particularly negative effect on the mental health of MSAC. Other practice, policy and research implications are also presented.
Men who were sexually abused during childhood are a stigmatized, under-studied, and marginalized population that is at risk for long-term mental health problems. However, many mental health practitioners feel under-prepared and ill-equipped to effectively treat male survivors of child sexual abuse. Furthermore, little is known about factors that may impact the mental health of male survivors such as disclosure of the sexual abuse. The purpose of this study was to (a) describe the disclosure process of male survivors using a lifespan approach, (b) identify disclosure differences based on age and type of abuser, and (c) explore relationships between disclosure attributes and current mental health. Using a large, purposive sample of male survivors (N = 487), the study found that, on average, men delayed telling (M = 21.38 years) and discussing the abuse (M = 28.23 years) for many years. Older age and being abused by a family member (i.e., incest) were both related to delays in disclosure. Most participants who told someone during childhood did not receive emotionally supportive or protective responses and the helpfulness of responses across the lifespan was mixed. Several variables (e.g., timing of disclosure, discussing with a spouse, response to disclosure) were related to current mental health problems. These findings are helpful for clinical social workers who practice with clients from this population. Specific suggestions for improving clinical practice (e.g., assessment, treatment, professional training) are discussed.
We used meta-analysis to examine recent studies of sex differences in coping. Women were more likely than men to engage in most coping strategies. The strongest effects showed that women were more likely to use strategies that involved verbal expressions to others or the self—to seek emotional support, ruminate about problems, and use positive self-talk. These sex differences were consistent across studies, supporting a dispositional level hypothesis. Other sex differences were dependent on the nature of the stressor, supporting role constraint theory. We also examined whether stressor appraisal (i.e., women's tendencies to appraise stressors as more severe) accountedfor sex differences in coping. We found some support for this idea. To circumvent this issue, we provide some data on relative coping. These data demonstrate that sex differences in relative coping are more in line with our intuitions about the differences in the ways men and women cope with distress.
Departing from a deprivation approach to the study of trauma, a small body of literature has recently emerged that examines positive, rather than negative, post-trauma changes. Studies to date have focused on individuals’ positive reactions to a personally endured traumatic event for example, as bereaved parents, living with HIV/AIDS, or surviving cancer. Negative symptoms following a traumatic event that is experienced during the course of fulfilling professional obligations (e.g., in ambulance, fire and police services), are reported to be akin to the negative post-trauma symptoms found in direct survivors of a traumatic event. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of self-reported positive changes (posttraumatic growth) in emergency ambulance personnel, a population that are readily exposed to potentially traumatic incidents. Results indicated that a large proportion of both seasoned ambulance personnel and new recruits to the service, perceived positive changes in themselves that they attributed to having experienced a traumatic event at work. A significant mean difference was also detected between personnel who had endured a personal trauma in addition to a work-related trauma (n = 281) and personnel who had endured trauma only in the course of their employment responsibilities (n = 217). The study supports theoretical and clinical expectations that the experience of occupational trauma can act as a catalyst for significant positive post-trauma changes.
This article describes the concept of posttraumatic growth. its conceptual founda- tions, a/id supporting empirical evidence. Posttraumatic growth is the experience of positive change that occurs as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life cri- ses. It is manifested in a variety ofways, including an increased appreciationfor life in general, more meaningful interpersonal relationships, an increased sense ofpersonal strength. cha/lged priorities, and a richer existential and spiritual life. Although the term is ne..", the idea that great good can come from great suffering is ancient. We pro- pose a nlOdelfor understanding the process ofposttraumatic growth in which individ- ual characteristics, support and disclosure, a/Id more centrally, significant cognitive processing involving cognitive structures threatened or nullified by the traumatic events, play an important role. It is also suggested that posttraumatic growth mutually interacts with life wisdoma,1d the development of the life narrative, and that it is an on- going process, not a static outcome. In his memoir, No Such Thing as a Bad Day, Hamil- ton Jordan (2000) described some of the changes he experienced following his battle with cancer:
The meaning-making framework of trauma and recovery is presented. The following specific topics are discussed: (a) the meaning-making coping framework and the processes of meaning that typically occur following traumatic encounters; (b) empirical support for the meaning-making model; (c) the possibility that growth may result from this making of meaning; (d) methodologies for examining meaning making, including both quantitative and qualitative research; and (e) clinical implications of the meaning-making framework.
Although stressful experiences can lead to many negative consequences, the processes involved in confronting them may also promote broadened perspectives, new coping skills, deepened relationships, and the development of personal resources. The present study examined the processes through which such growth may occur and the relationship of this growth to adjustment as reflected in changes in personal resources and psychological adjustment over time. Ninety-four college students completed measures of personal resources and adjustment. Six months later, they completed a second set of measures that also included questions about their most stressful experience in the past six months as well as cognitive processing, coping, and growth related to the stressor. Results suggested that specific coping processes (resources, appraisals, and coping activities) and, to a lesser extent, cognitive processing, were related to growth. Stress-related growth predicted increases in personal resources and positive states of mind, but was unrelated to depressive symptoms. Implications for future research and potential clinical applications are discussed.
Men are a unique population to work with in psychotherapy, but what does research indicate about how masculinity relates to therapeutic issues? Summarizing research on masculinity's relationship to a range of presenting issues, this article organizes and discusses the findings according to masculinity "scripts" that clinicians are likely to recognize when working with male clients. The article then addresses how masculinity is also associated with less help seeking and with negative attitudes toward psychological help seeking. This irony, that traditional masculinity scripts contribute to men's presenting concerns and act as barriers to help seeking, is then addressed through recommendations for training and practice that incorporate a sociocultural context into working with men. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Cancer diagnosis and treatments can profoundly and, sometimes, irrevocably alter people's lives. Cancer treatments are invasive, painful, and often create long-term negative side effects. Yet despite the dread, discomfort and dysfunction associated with this disease, some individuals are able to maintain or quickly reestablish their precancer emotional equilibrium. Understanding this adjustment process is a primary goal of psychologists and health care providers who conduct psychosocial interventions with cancer patients. By examining natural processes and predictors of adjustment in cancer patients, we can find clues to designing effective interventions. This chapter applies a social-cognitive processing theory of adjustment to stressors to explain how the social context of recovery influences emotional adjustment to cancer. The theory also is applied to understanding who benefits from psychosocial interventions for cancer and why. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
This study reports on the psychological well-being, life, and relationship satisfaction among a national sample of 213 stay-at-home fathers (SAHFs). Results from an Internet-based survey suggest these men report moderate to high levels of relationship and life satisfaction and moderate to low levels of psychological distress as compared with college-aged and adult men. SAHFs also reported high levels of parental self-efficacy, similar to data reported by mothers in related research. Results from regression analyses suggested several significant predictors of adjustment to the SAHF role including strong social support, high parenting self-efficacy, and low of conformity to traditional masculine role norms. The results are considered in the context of related parenting and masculinity literature. Future directions for research are also addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Male childhood sexual abuse survivors face the same social pressures as other men to live up to the tenets of masculinity. However, they contend with a disjuncture between cultural definitions of manhood and the discordant experience of sexual victimization. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 resilient men varying in age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. The authors analyzed the men's narratives concerning male role socialization for toughness, stoicism, and aggressive sexuality, as well as the impact of childhood sexual abuse. Results indicate that in their paths toward recovery, the participants repeatedly described both containing and resisting traditional masculine roles and made conscious choices not to become perpetrators. The importance of raising awareness about masculinity myths in clinical interventions is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Predictors and outcomes of benefit finding, positive reappraisal coping, and posttraumatic growth were examined using interviews and questionnaires from a longitudinal study of women with early-stage breast cancer followed from primary medical treatment completion to 3 (n=92) and 12 months (n=60) later. Most women (83%) reported at least 1 benefit of their breast cancer experience. Benefit finding (i.e., identification of benefits, number of benefits), positive reappraisal coping, and posttraumatic growth had distinct significant predictors. Positive reappraisal coping at study entry predicted positive mood and perceived health at 3 and 12 months and posttraumatic growth at 12 months, whereas benefit finding did not predict any outcome. Findings suggest that benefit finding, positive reappraisal coping, and posttraumatic growth are related, but distinct, constructs.
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.
The purpose of the present article was to systematically review the literature investigating the long-term physical health consequences of childhood sexual abuse (CSA).
Literature searches yielded 31 studies comparing individuals with and without a history of CSA on six health outcomes: general health, gastrointestinal (GI) health, gynecologic or reproductive health, pain, cardiopulmonary symptoms, and obesity. Exploratory subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential methodological moderators.
Results suggested that a history of CSA was associated with small to moderate group differences on almost all health outcomes assessed, such that individuals with a history of CSA reported more complaints for each health outcome. Suggestive trends in moderating variables of study design and methodology are presented.
Results highlight the long-term physical health consequences of CSA and identify potential moderators to aid in the design of future research.
The purpose of this feminist interpretive study was to portray the experience of women thriving after childhood maltreatment (CM) through personal narratives. An interdisciplinary team conducted multiple in-depth interviews of 44 women survivors of CM who identified themselves as successful and doing well. The interviews focused on "what worked" and "what did not" with the aim of exploring aftereffects of CM; strengths and strategies; interactions helpful in overcoming abuse; and related sociopolitical contexts. Narrative analyses revealed a distinct, dynamic process of becoming resolute characterized by six dimensions that were not sequential steps but characteristics, actions, and interactions. This study offers a new understanding of the experience of women gaining solid footing in their lives, the peace of knowing the abuse is over, and power to move in an upward trajectory.
Men's enactment of traditional masculine norms may contribute to their adjustment to changes in sexual functioning following treatment for prostate cancer. In the present investigation, the authors test this hypothesis by examining the moderating role of sexual functioning on the relationship between men's adherence to masculine norms and their social, role, and mental health functioning. Results of regression analyses indicate that men with poor sexual functioning evince poor social, role, and mental health functioning when they more strongly adhere to traditional masculine norms. Participants with good sexual functioning, in contrast, exhibit positive social, role, and mental health functioning when they more strongly adhere to traditional norms of masculinity. Directions for future clinical research and treatment interventions are provided.
Empirical studies (n = 39) that documented positive change following trauma and adversity (e.g., posttraumatic growth, stress‐related growth, perceived benefit, thriving; collectively described as adversarial growth) were reviewed. The review indicated that cognitive appraisal variables (threat, harm, and controllability), problem‐focused, acceptance and positive reinterpretation coping, optimism, religion, cognitive processing, and positive affect were consistently associated with adversarial growth. The review revealed inconsistent associations between adversarial growth, sociodemographic variables (gender, age, education, and income), and psychological distress variables (e.g., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder). However, the evidence showed that people who reported and maintained adversarial growth over time were less distressed subsequently. Methodological limitations and recommended future directions in adversarial growth research are discussed, and the implications of adversarial growth for clinical practice are briefly considered.
This article describes the concept of posttraumatic growth, its conceptual foundations, and supporting empirical evidence. Posttraumatic growth is the experience of positive change that occurs as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life crises. It is manifested in a variety of ways, including an increased appreciation for life in general, more meaningful interpersonal relationships, an increased sense of personal strength, changed priorities, and a richer existential and spiritual life. Although the term is new, the idea that great good can come from great suffering is ancient. We propose a model for understanding the process of posttraumatic growth in which individual characteristics, support and disclosure, and more centrally, significant cognitive processing involving cognitive structures threatened or nullified by the traumatic events, play an important role. It is also suggested that posttraumatic growth mutually interacts with life wisdom and the development of the life narrative, and that it is an on-going process, not a static outcome.
This phenomenological study describes the essential structure of the lived experience of adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse by clergy (AMSCSABC). A purposive sample of seven AMSCSABC related their subjective experiences in semistructured interviews. Colaizzi?s (1978) phenomenological method was used for data analysis. Survivors describe a bifurcated rage and spiritual distress that pervades their entire "lifebeing." Learning about AMSCSABC will assist nurses to identify potential risk factors of childhood sexual abuse by clergy (CSABC), design prevention strategies, and enhance empathy for a healing relationship.
Data from the Baseline Survey of the Hurricane Katrina Community Advisory Group Study (Kessler 2009) were used to explore the predictors of posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress among black (n = 265) and white (n = 715) adult survivors of Hurricane Katrina. We focus on the perceived quality of the governmental response and cognitive processing related to the response on posttraumatic outcomes, and whether there were racial group differences. We also consider the impact of demographic factors and severity of stress. Results of hierarchical linear regression showed that being black, older, having lower educational attainment, and experiencing greater perceived stress and loss during Katrina positively predicted greater posttraumatic growth. Being female, living below the poverty line, and experiencing greater perceived stress and loss positively predicted posttraumatic stress symptoms. More positive views of the governmental response were associated with greater posttraumatic growth and more negative views with greater posttraumatic stress symptomology. Moreover, it was found that race significantly moderated the effect between perceived quality of the response and posttraumatic stress. Subgroup analysis corroborated the interaction effect and showed that while perceived quality of the governmental response significantly predicted posttraumatic stress for black survivors, it was not a significant predictor for white survivors. This study sheds light on some of the factors and conditions under which positive and negative post-trauma outcomes occurred after Katrina. We propose that racial group differences in the impact of perceived quality of the response on posttraumatic stress may be related to views among some black survivors that the emergency response was discriminatory.
In recent years, several studies have produced data showing apparent changes in early adult life of psychological life trajectories, changes that have been labelled "turning points". The concept, and the phenomena that gave rise to it, are critically reviewed in relation to developmental psychopathology. It is concluded that a wide range of experiences have been associated with such changes; that the experiences associated with them span those over which the individual has no control and those subject to individual choice and actions; that the key features associated with change usually involve particular qualities of experiences as they impinge on subsegments of the population (rather than universal life phase transitions); that the experiences are not synonymous with stressful life events; and that changes in life trajectory may reflect genetic programming or internal biological alterations rather than external happenings. Also, major life experiences may accentuate, rather than alter, individual characteristics. It is concluded that turning point effects represent a heterogeneous range of lasting changes in psychological functioning. They are important because their investigation may shed important light on developmental processes. They do not represent a simple mechanism and hence there is no hypothesis about a particular process to test, but their study is nevertheless crucial for an understanding of developmental continuities and discontinuities. Some of the key methodological issues in their investigation are reviewed.
Working with families in which there have been incidences of child sexual abuse is one of the most challenging assignments for a family counselor. Beyond ethical and legal mandates for reporting such assaults, less is understood about the long-term effects on victims. After reviewing the literature on child sexual abuse and gender differences, this article critically examines the major approaches to understanding and treating such issues in family counseling. Clinicians are cautioned to examine their own assumptions about the meaning of such experiences for their clients. Implications are discussed for the practice of family counseling.
This meta-analytic review examines the role of optimism, social support, and coping strategies in contributing to posttraumatic growth. Results from 103 studies showed that all three systems of variables yielded significant effect sizes. Religious coping and positive reappraisal coping produced the largest effect sizes. Social support, seeking social support coping, spirituality, and optimism were moderately related to posttraumatic growth. Acceptance coping yielded the smallest effect sizes. Moderator analyses showed that effect sizes did not differ according to time elapsed since trauma, gender, and type of posttraumatic growth measure (posttraumatic growth vs. benefit finding). Age and gender were significant moderators of religious coping, whereas study design (longitudinal vs. cross-sectional) significantly moderated the effect of positive reappraisal coping. Implications for research and interventions on posttraumatic growth are also discussed.
Reviews the book, Victims no longer: Men recovering from incest and other sexual child abuse by Mike Lew (1990). This review is an attempt to answer two principal questions: (a) Is the book successful at informing a curious, but generally naive, therapist about an important clinical topic? (b) Is the book one that could be recommended to appropriate clients? The book's jacket implies that the work has value for therapists, but generally it portrays the book to be primarily "self-help" in nature. Despite this emphasis the book may still have utility for therapists because of its substantial consciousness-raising impact. Given the book's self-help mission, the more important issue is whether therapists can comfortably recommend it to clients and families. The reviewer thinks the answer is yes, but not without a few reservations. Reservations aside, though, the book may be useful for many clients and their family members. The chapters on masculinity and victimization, and men and feelings are superb. Many of the vignettes are moving and inspirational. The chapters on selecting therapy and a therapist are very well written. As a self-help resource this book will have considerable utility, particularly with more gender-enlightened populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The objective of this study was to examine the extent of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and posttraumatic growth in young adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse in relation to the identity of the perpetrator. Two hundred and forty-six non-clinical female university students were administered self-report questionnaires with regard to negative life events, PTSD symptoms, and posttraumatic growth. A sample of 93 participants who reported having been sexually abused during childhood either by a family member or a stranger were drawn for the study purpose. Comparison between the survivors in relation to the identity of the perpetrator, family member versus a stranger, revealed that the levels of PTSD and posttraumatic growth were both higher among survivors who were sexually abused by a family member compared to those who were sexually abused by a stranger. Mediational analysis revealed that levels of PTSD mediated the identity of the perpetrator effect on posttraumatic growth.
Investigated the effects of childhood sexual abuse for male and female survivors, characteristics of the abuse experience, current coping strategies, and current psychological adjustment. 19 male and 59 female survivors (18+ yrs old) of childhood sexual abuse, recruited from both local and national support groups, completed a background questionnaire, dispositional coping inventories measuring current and retrospective abuse-specific coping styles, and measures of current psychological adjustment. In response to sexual abuse experienced during childhood, avoidance coping emerged as the most frequently used strategy by both sexes. Although there were no gender differences in current use of problem-focused and avoidance strategies, males related more use of acceptance, whereas females used more emotion-focused coping. In general, females reported significantly greater trauma-related distress than males, including high levels of anxiety, depression and posttrauma symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
In a quest to understand individuals' positive adaptation to life crises, researchers have emphasized factors that enable people to confront stressors and maintain healthy functioning and have begun to identify specific resources that may engender personal growth. The authors have developed a conceptual model to encompass the most important sets of relevant variables and to conceptualize the determinants of positive outcomes of crises. The model posits that environmental and personal system factors shape life crises and their aftermath and influence appraisal and coping responses, and thereby contribute to the development of positive outcomes or personal growth in which coping functions as one essential mechanism through which personal and social resources foreshadow improved psychological functioning after a person experiences a life crisis.
In this chapter we review selected life crises that may be associated with successful adaptations and PTG, and use our model to identify factors that provide the context for growth. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The Stages of Change Model (J. O. Prochaska & C. C. DiClemente, 1984) has been used to explore women’s process of leaving relationships involving intimate partner violence. Using a strengths-based approach, this study aims to build upon the model to further theorize the process of leaving. We conducted secondary data analysis of interviews with 19 mothers who left their abusive husbands. Turning points marked mothers’ movements from one stage of change to another, resulting in linear and nonlinear trajectories of leaving. All turning points were similar across cases except for the turning point between the stages of action and preparation. Consequently, 3 variations in the trajectories of leaving were found. The theoretical and practical implications for future work with abused mothers are discussed.
Despite growing awareness regarding the reality of child sexual abuse (CSA), a paucity of studies have examined whether the determinants, risk factors, and aftermath of CSA differ between male and female victims. This paper attempts to provide an empirical and conceptual review of research findings to date. There is evidence that CSA against boys is under-reported, and that male victims are given less counselling than females, despite the prevalence of comparable psychological sequelae. It is argued that further research into gender differences associated with CSA needs to be conducted because the conclusions of existing studies are tenuous. Future research may (a) lead to an elaboration and assessment of current conceptualisations of CSA that predominantly focus on female victims, and (b) facilitate the development and implementation of gender-based public policy in relation to CSA.
Autobiographical interviews with 26 adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed to identify common psychological themes. Approximately equal numbers of men were abused by male and female perpetrators, almost half came from disrupted or violent homes and a majority had a history of substance abuse. Fifteen psychological themes were identified: Anger, Betrayal, Fear, Homosexuality Issues, Helplessness, Isolation and Alienation, Legitimacy, Loss, Masculinity Issues, Negative Childhood Peer Relations, Negative Schemas about People, Negative Schemas about the Self, Problems with Sexuality, Self Blame/Guilt and Shame/Humiliation. The themes are discussed and illustrated with examples drawn from the transcripts.
The development of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, an instrument for assessing positive outcomes reported by persons who have experienced traumatic events, is described. This 21-item scale includes factors of New Possibilities, Relating to Others, Personal Strength, Spiritual Change, and Appreciation of Life. Women tend to report more benefits than do men, and persons who have experienced traumatic events report more positive change than do persons who have not experienced extraordinary events. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory is modestly related to optimism and extraversion. The scale appears to have utility in determining how successful individuals, coping with the aftermath of trauma, are in reconstructing or strengthening their perceptions of self, others, and the meaning of events.
Resolution of the trauma of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and the current adjustment of 60 adult female CSA survivors were
explored through qualitative and quantitative analyses of their coping strategies, perceived benefits, and meaning-making
attempts. While the majority of the women (87%) perceived at least some benefit resulting from coping with the CSA experience,
many (29%) found it impossible to make any meaning of their trauma. Specific benefits that were associated with various aspects
of positive adjustment (marital satisfaction, better physical health, less isolation) included improved relationships with
others, religious or spiritual growth, and improved parenting skills. Some perceived benefits were actually associated with
a negative outcome. Increased knowledge of sexual abuse was associated with more isolation and lower marital satisfaction.
When positive meaning could be derived from the coping process, the women reported less isolation. Avoidant coping was strongly
associated with more depressive symptoms and poorer resolution of abuse issues. Results highlight the importance of considering
coping strategies and cognitive restructuring efforts in designing therapeutic interventions with this population.
The aim of this study was to explore prevalence and predictors of posttraumatic growth, including its relationship with PTSD symptoms among adult survivors of a severe earthquake.
A stratification random sampling strategy was adopted and 2080 adult survivors of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake were surveyed. Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Impact of Event Scale - Revised were used in the assessment of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, respectively. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to explore the best predictors.
At one year following the earthquake, prevalence rates for posttraumatic growth and PTSD symptoms were 51.1% and 56.8%, respectively. Best predictors of posttraumatic growth were being female, younger age, higher level of education, higher degree of earthquake-related exposure and PTSD symptoms, including intrusion and hyperarousal symptoms.
The limitations of this study lie in that no comparison was made due to the lack of pre-disaster data, so it is very hard to conclude to what extent did this earthquake affect the people there. Our participants were mainly workers from different fields. Survey of affected population in rural and remote areas was unavailable. More representative samples are needed to examine the generalizability of these findings.
Psychological interventions and care for survivors of Sichuan earthquake disaster should focus on females and older people who can be more affected by disasters. Besides, in order to produce positive outcomes after disasters, programs on adjustment and management of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms should be implemented.
Intrusive thoughts about traumatic events are an important factor in determining the development of posttraumatic growth, although research has focused on the frequency rather than the type of intrusions. Based on cognitive processing models of posttraumatic growth, the authors present two cross-sectional studies exploring different types of intrusive ruminations about trauma and their associations with posttraumatic growth. Study 1 examines brooding and reflection; Study 2 uses measures of both deliberate and intrusive rumination regarding a past trauma. The results indicate that intrusive reexperiencing and ruminative brooding are not significantly associated with posttraumatic growth, whereas deliberate rumination is significantly positively associated with posttraumatic growth (β = .44, p < .001) and reflection (partial r = .20, p = .003) is positively associated with posttraumatic growth in the context of low brooding.
This study examined the relationship among severe child sexual abuse, disclosure, and mental health symptoms during adulthood. The sample consisted of 172 adults who were sexually abused in childhood. The multivariate model showed that respondents in their 30s and 40s who were abused by more than one abuser, who were injured by their abusers, who were abused by a biological relative, who told someone about the abuse when it occurred, and who did not discuss their abuse in depth within one year of the abuse had a greater number of mental health symptoms. Abuse severity and disclosure history should be assessed by professionals to identify clients who are at higher risk of mental health symptoms and to focus therapy.
Females tend to report greater levels of posttraumatic growth following trauma than males. Little is known about why such an association exists. This study examined whether social support coping might mediate the relationship between gender and posttraumatic growth. College students and community residing adults ( N = 221) recalled a stressful or traumatic event that they had recently experienced and responded to measures of posttraumatic growth and coping while keeping this event in mind. Gender was significantly associated with both social support coping and growth while social support coping was a partial mediator of the relationship between gender and posttraumatic growth.
The clinical literature commonly asserts that males are less likely than females to disclose child sexual abuse at the time it occurs and take longer to discuss their experiences. These hypotheses were tested in this study. This study included 145 men and 151 women. Participants were asked about disclosure at the time of the abuse and the length of time it took for them to discuss the experience. Comparison across these two studies found that boys were significantly less likely than girls to disclose the abuse at the time it occurred and also took significantly longer to discuss their childhood experiences later in life.
There is a consensus among clinicians treating patients who have experienced a trauma that a number of common themes emerge. Using a manual that codified ten of these themes, their frequency was measured in the case material of 30 psychotherapy patients treated for posttraumatic stress disorders after bereavement or personal injury. The themes found to be most prominent in bereavement cases included sadness over loss and discomfort over discovered personal vulnerability. In the personal-injury cases, fear of a repetition of the event and feelings of responsibility emerged most frequently. Rage at the source of the trauma figured prominently in both bereavement and personal-injury cases.