The Nature of Posttraumatic Growth in Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse.
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.
['Hartley|Sarah|S|', 'Johnco|Carly|C|', 'Hofmeyr|Marthinus|M|', 'Berry|Alexis|A|']
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological D000328:Adult D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse D002648:Child D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual D003469:Culture D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008016:Life Change Events D011582:Psychological Theory D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
posttraumatic growth Abuse childhood sexual abuse incest trauma women