Survivors Of Abuse Research Articles

Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Following Childhood Maltreatment: Co-Occurrence and Cognitive Differentiators

ABSTRACT Posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic depreciation (PTD) are two possible outcomes of meaning-making following trauma. Differentiators of these sequelae in childhood maltreatment (CM) survivors, individuals who have experienced childhood emotional, physical, sexual abuse, emotional, and/or physical neglect, and the extent to which PTG and PTD co-occur among CM survivors are unknown. Co-occurrence and cognitive differentiators of PTG and PTD were examined in 326 undergraduates endorsing CM. Fifteen percent endorsed both PTG and PTD in one or more domains. Event centrality, examination of core beliefs, and deliberate rumination fostered growth. Only negative self-cognitions were related to PTD, while the rejection of negative beliefs about self and world was related to growth. Addressing cognitive components of meaning-making and beliefs may be critical for supporting resilience and ameliorating self-depreciation for maltreatment survivors.

Evidence-based recommendations for partners and friends of adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

Adult disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) is often addressed to partners and friends. The risk of negative reactions is high due to the stigma associated with CSA, however receiving social support is a protective factor. Therefore, educating the environment on how to face disclosure becomes crucial. Most education recommendations are focused on young victims, and the few addressed to adults are not evidence-based. Our aim was to develop an evidence-based guide of action for adult CSA survivors' relatives. First, we conducted a survey with individuals who had never received a disclosure to identify their concers if they recived a testimony of sexual abuse in their environment. The participants here were individuals who had never received a disclosure (N=9, 66.7% female; mean age: 39, SD: 17.63). Next, we elaborated a semi-structured interview based on these concerns to request recommendations from survivors on how to approach them during disclosure plus including questions about how their own disclosure flowed and which emotional needs they had. Finally, we conducted in-depth interviews with CSA survivors, collected their answers and performed a content-based analysis. The participants here were 12 CSA survivors (91.67%, female; mean age: 37.58, SD: 12.42). In general, disclosure appears to benefit from respecting five principles: (1) respecting survivors' timelines, including not reporting to the police until they feel ready for it (if adults, in case of children immediate report must be done instead); (2) letting them have control over the recipients of their victimization; (3) not associating their victimization with their identity; (4) asking them about their emotional experience rather than about the criminal act and (5) empathizing with each individual's need for forgiveness in three dimensions: themselves (self-blaming), the environment (lack of protection) and the abuser (aggression).

Dampening of positive affect partially accounts for the association between women’s history of child maltreatment and current depressive symptoms

BackgroundChild maltreatment exerts lasting effects on emotion regulation, which in turn accounts for adult’s risk for psychopathology such as depression. In this vulnerable population, deficits in emotion regulation of negative affect are well established and include reliance on emotional suppression and rumination strategies. In contrast, alterations in the regulation of positive affect associated with child maltreatment history are less understood. We examined the role of positive rumination and dampening of positive affect, two emotion regulation strategies that may be impaired by the experience of child maltreatment and are associated with depression risk. We hypothesized that alterations in positive rumination and dampening would explain the association between women’s childmaltreatment history and heightened risk for current depressive symptoms. To determine if positive affect regulation accounts for unique variance between child maltreatment history and depression risk we controlled for brooding rumination.MethodsUndergraduate women (n = 122) completed surveys on child maltreatment, depressive symptoms, and their tendency to dampen or engage in positive rumination in response to positive affect, reflecting cross-sectional data. The PROCESS macro, model 4 was run in SPSS to examine the extent to which emotion regulation strategies accounted for the association between child maltreatment history and current depressive symptoms.ResultsChild maltreatment history was associated with a higher tendency to dampen positive affect but was not linked with positive rumination. Dampening partially explained the link between child maltreatment and women’s current depressive symptoms. Dampening and brooding rumination each accounted for unique variance in the association between child maltreatment and depressive symptoms.ConclusionsResults suggest that emotion suppression strategies among child maltreatment survivors may also extend to positive affect, with impairments in specific regulation strategies. Currently dysphoric women with a history of child maltreatment tend to dampen their positive moods and reactions to events as well as ruminate on their dysphoric moods, both tendencies accounted for unique variance in current depression risk. Longitudinal research is warranted to clarify the role of alterations in positive emotion regulations strategies in understanding how child maltreatment fosters risk for psychopathology such as depression.

A double betrayal: The implications of institutional betrayal for trauma-related symptoms in intimate partner violence survivors.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health concern that is known to result in a plethora of detrimental outcomes, among them trauma-related symptoms. According to the betrayal trauma theory, these outcomes may be rooted not only in the abusive partner's betrayal but also in institutional betrayal, namely institutions' failure to fulfill their obligations to provide safety, resources, and protection to IPV victims/survivors. Yet, thus far, research on institutional betrayal has been focused on survivors of abuse that occurred within an institutional context. This study aimed to explore the implications of institutional betrayal for trauma-related symptoms among survivors of IPV, while broadening the scope of institutional betrayal and exploring institutional betrayal in relation to varied contexts. An online survey was conducted among Israeli female adults using self-report measures. The sample consisted of 117 IPV survivors, Mage = 39.35 (SD = 7.9), who reported involvement of various institutions around their IPV. Regression models indicated that institutional betrayal had a unique effect in explaining all four clusters of trauma-related symptoms. The risk for clinically significant trauma-related symptoms increased by 3% (OR = 1.03) for each increase in institutional betrayal, after controlling for income, having children with the abusive partner, degree of IPV exposure, and being abused by multiple partners. The present results suggest that institutional betrayal can be a retraumatizing experience, amplifying trauma-related distress in IPV survivors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Self Disclosure pada Remaja Penyintas Verbal Abuse di Panti Asuhan X

This study explored adolescents who experienced verbal abuse to find out how self-disclosure is portrayed in adolescent verbal abuse survivors. This research uses qualitative methods with a case study approach. Data collection techniques in this study used observation methods and interviews conducted to main sources and significant others. The main informants in this study were two teenagers who experienced verbal abuse committed by staff at the orphanage. The results showed that both adolescents consciously carried out self-disclosure to reduce the pressure received but only to the closest people and trusted by both sources. Both research sources explained that at least each of them needed time and consideration before self-disclosure about verbal abuse experienced. Although they have told about the events experienced, both revealed that there are still parts that are hidden from others because of feelings of fear of being blasphemed and also feel unprepared to burden more people.

Beyond Solitude: The Role of Group Therapy in Empowering Young Survivors of Sexual Abuse

ABSTRACT This study assesses the impact of group therapy on young survivors of sexual abuse at a youth clinic in Sweden, focusing on self-reported outcomes and implications for primary health care. Interviews with 12 female participants aged 17–24 provided insights into the benefits of group therapy, including reduced feelings of loneliness and shame, enhanced understanding of abuse reactions and trajectories, and improved coping mechanisms. The findings support integrating group therapy into primary care settings alongside individual counseling, emphasizing the need for accessible, youth-oriented services with robust referral systems to effectively address the comprehensive psychosocial and health needs of young survivors.

Adult clergy sexual abuse survivors, posttraumatic stress disorder, and institutional betrayal trauma.

Adult clergy sexual abuse survivors, posttraumatic stress disorder, and institutional betrayal trauma.

‘Nothing to Lose’: Gay and bisexual men, the family and the male sexual abuse survivors’ movement in the United States, 1985–1995

‘Nothing to Lose’: Gay and bisexual men, the family and the male sexual abuse survivors’ movement in the United States, 1985–1995

Complex PTSD and identification with the aggressor among survivors of childhood abuse.

Complex PTSD and identification with the aggressor among survivors of childhood abuse.

Understanding Black and Latino sexual minority men's perspectives on assessment of sexual history in diverse health care settings.

This exploratory analysis aims to understand conditions under which cisgender Black and Latino sexual minority men (SMM) would be willing to share potentially abusive childhood sexual experiences with health care providers. Black and Latino SMM may be overrepresented among childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors, but some abusive experiences are appraised as consensual due to cultural pressures, leading to underreporting and a delay in identification and treatment. Prior research highlights the importance of screening for sexual abuse histories in primary care and substance use treatment settings, though studies indicate that such assessments rarely occur. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 61 cisgender Black and Latino SMM who reported sexual experiences in childhood that met criteria for CSA. Interviews explored men's experiences with and attitudes toward sexual history taking in diverse health care settings. Most respondents felt that providers should assess sexual history and be aware of prior abuse. Barriers to disclosure included perceived provider bias and insincerity and concerns that provider characteristics (e.g., gender) might limit their ability to understand a client's experiences. Findings suggest that a trauma-informed approach to the assessment of sexual histories should consider that patients' current physical and mental states may be (in)directly linked to earlier, traumatic events and that intersecting identities (e.g., gender and race) could influence men's willingness to share their histories. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Childhood Sexual Abuse Among Asian-American Adults: Prevalence, Cultural Barriers, and Mental Health Implications

Childhood sexual abuse represents a significant public health concern, particularly within minority populations, where adversities and complications are prevalent but understudied. This study aims to investigate the mental health of Asian American childhood sexual abuse survivors and explore the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among Asian adults. A secondary analysis of the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data was conducted, including a final sample of 1,894 Asian adults (0.16% of the total sample size of N = 401,958). Among these participants, 16.8% (n = 1,894) reported experiencing CSA. The most common forms of abuse were inappropriate touching (11.8%, n = 224), being forced to touch someone inappropriately (7.2%, n = 136), and being forced to have sex (4%, n = 76). Regression analysis revealed that CSA was significantly associated with lower education levels (OR = 1.32) and higher income (OR = 1.79), suggesting socioeconomic factors play a role in CSA reporting. Within Asian American communities, childhood sexual abuse remains a taboo topic, leading to a reluctance among adults to engage in sexual health research. This brief report highlights the dearth of research and the stigma surrounding discussions of sexual abuse among Asian American adults. There is a critical need for early intervention programs that focus on the mental health of childhood sexual abuse survivors, particularly within minority communities such as Asian Americans. Addressing this issue can support those affected and help reduce the disparities minority populations face.

How do people with a history of sexual abuse experience talking therapies for sexual trauma? A systematic review of qualitative findings.

This systematic review investigated the qualitative experiences of sexual abuse survivors in talking therapy treatments with respect to the helpful and hindering aspects of therapy. Searches were conducted on five databases; PubMed, Web of Science, PyscInfo, PsycArticles and PsycExtra and through searching reference lists. Papers were included where they provided qualitative primary data of client experiences of therapy, did not involve specialist clinical populations and were written in English. Papers were included irrespective of whether study participants had experienced sexual abuse in childhood, adulthood or both. Studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist. Meta-study was used to analyse the results. Four themes were generated: (1) helpful therapy relies on choice, autonomy, and the freedom to choose when to speak and what to speak on, (2) engagement relies on considerations of the complexity of recovery from sexual abuse, (3) feeling cared for and connected with the therapist is important and (4) a sensitive and thoughtful end of therapy can bring positive holistic emotional and lifestyle changes. This study provides clinical insights into the helpful aspects of therapy, facilitating a safe therapeutic engagement, and managing an effective and sensitive transition into recovery. These themes are considered in relation to understanding supportive factors in therapy.

Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Emotion Regulation: Understanding the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Wellbeing

ABSTRACT Mindfulness and self-compassion are both important protective processes for survivors of childhood maltreatment. This is thought to be, in part, because they promote healthy emotion regulation. However, specific patterns of associations between maltreatment, mindfulness and self-compassion, emotion regulation, and wellbeing have yet to be investigated. In particular, it is unclear whether mindfulness and self-compassion function similarly with respect to emotion regulation and wellbeing among maltreatment survivors. The present cross-sectional survey study examined the maltreatment – wellbeing link by comparing two serial mediation pathways: through trait mindfulness to emotion dysregulation and through self-compassion to emotion dysregulation. A secondary aim was to compare facets of mindfulness and self-compassion as mediators. Undergraduate (n = 748) student participants self-reported childhood maltreatment severity, self-compassion, trait mindfulness, difficulties in emotion regulation, and psychological wellbeing. Two significant serial indirect effects found both trait mindfulness and self-compassion to be mediators of the maltreatment – wellbeing link via emotion regulation capability. Such pathways were stronger mediators than mindfulness, self-compassion, or regulation alone. Few differences were found between individual facets of mindfulness and self-compassion. On college campuses, to improve wellbeing among childhood maltreatment survivors, self-compassion or mindfulness interventions may both be useful, particularly so if emotion regulation is also improved.

Enhancing support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse provided within integrated sexual health services

Enhancing support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse provided within integrated sexual health services

Enhancing support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse provided within integrated sexual health services.

Enhancing support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse provided within integrated sexual health services.

Understanding Resistance Among Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Co-Produced Study in the United Kingdom.

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a global problem that affects approximately one in four women in their lifetime. An area of unexplored research is how women use a range of strategies to honor resistance, manage the risk, avoid abuse, and cope with the pain of DVA. Art-based methodology and interpretative phenomenological analysis approaches were used which determined seven strategies employed by women in order to survive DVA: apparent compliance; maintaining a sense of self; knowing boundaries; keeping hope in sight; imagining freedom; degrees of rebellion; and denial. This created a conceptual model for understanding DVA survivorship (The SEED Model).

"That Came Back to Haunt Me": Violence Against Women Survivors' Concerns About Police Use of Body-Worn Cameras.

Despite the substantial contact police have with survivors of violence against women, empirical accounts of survivors' perceptions of police use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) are limited. This study examines survivors' concerns with BWCs. We present qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 33 survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual assault. While the majority (79%, n = 26) of the women in this study support police use of BWCs, most (90%, n = 30) still express concerns with the technology. Survivors' concerns fell into three main areas: fear of BWCs capturing trauma responses that could be used against survivors, BWCs decreasing survivor comfort and reporting, and BWCs revictimizing survivors and contributing to survivors' loss of control. The findings reveal concerns that police can work to address to avoid survivor-police relations being deteriorated by police use of BWCs.

Becoming a Public Survivor of Sexual Violence in Australia

The past decade has seen significant policy and law reforms relating to gender-based violence in Australia. Notably, there has been an emphasis on rape law reforms and related policy changes driven by the advocacy of survivors of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. Coupled with these reforms has been the emergence of public survivors – individuals who establish prominence in public and political arenas by identifying as survivors of sexual violence. In this article, we examine the political, cultural and legal conditions that have created opportunities for public survivors to emerge in Australia. We argue that public survivors are co-constituted by these conditions, along with a broader politics of speaking out and a politics of listening that constructs a willing audience ready to consume and support survivor narratives and advocacy. These politics are vexed, however, in their reinforcement of long-standing archetypal attitudes and knowledge about sexual violence that feed into who can successfully obtain and maintain the status of a public survivor. In conclusion, we focus on the afterlives of public survivors once their initial advocacy goals have been fulfilled.

Vendo Sua Inocência, Eu Vejo Minha Inocência

This article presents findings from qualitative interviews (undertaken during 2019) with a small group (n = 5) of adult women survivors of sexual abuse from Argentina, France, Germany, Peru, and the Philippines. The women are all either nuns (n = 1) or former nuns (n = 4), who experienced abuse during their time in religious orders (n = 3), or when they were minors (n = 2). In advance of the interview, they were asked to read Tombs, Crucificação e abuso sexual (2019). The interview then explored their responses to the naming of Jesus as a victim of sexual abuse, with particular attention to (1) whether they had previously viewed their suffering in relation to Christ’s suffering; (2) whether the reading in the article was new to them, and whether they found it persuasive; (3) what it might mean for them as survivors; and (4) what importance they saw it as having for the wider church. Most participants felt that Jesus’ experience could have positive value for survivors, and they all believed it was important for the wider church. The innocence of Jesus was identified as an important counter to self-blame or victim-blaming by others. As one participant said, Seeing His innocence, I see innocence.

Sleep disturbance among Chinese survivors of childhood sexual abuse: associations with perceived discrimination and rumination.

Although childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been widely recognized for its association with sleep disturbance (SD) in adulthood, little is known about its associations with perceived discrimination (PD) and rumination. This study seeks to build upon existing literature by examining the impact of CSA on adult SD within a Chinese survivor sample while also investigating the mediating effects of PD and rumination on this association. A total of 1,210 respondents completed the Childhood Sexual Abuse Questionnaire, the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self Report, the Perceived Discrimination Scale, and the Ruminative Response Scale. Participants with CSA experiences reported higher scores of SD and greater rates of insomnia and hypersomnia than those without such experiences (47.79% vs. 29.30%; 20.71% vs. 9.46%). CSA, SD, PD, and rumination were positively related with each other. CSA could predict SD not only directly but also indirectly through the mediating effects of PD and rumination. Due to the cross-sectional design, the study is unable to demonstrate causality but, rather, that there exist important associations that are worth further investigation. This study examined a sample of Chinese survivors of CSA to establish the link between CSA and adult sleep disturbances (SD). Our findings not only confirm this association but also shed light on the intermediary roles of PD and rumination in shaping this relationship. It suggests that interventions designed to mitigate the sense of discrimination and to foster the adoption of positive coping strategies could be instrumental in enhancing the sleep quality of those who have been sexually abused in their childhood.