Psychological implications of adult women ages 35-50 with a childhood sexual abuse history
by Chunis, Michelle L., Ph.D., CAPELLA UNIVERSITY, 2009, 123 pages; 3379882

Abstract:

Some women who have had a childhood history of sexual abuse may still feel affected by this experience now as an adult. However, there is insufficient information in the current scholarly research literature that has evaluated their emotional, psychological, and/or social experiences at the adult stage of their psychosocial development. To investigate this issue, approximately 17 female participants, ages 35-50 years old, were interviewed. All participants live in a regional area of Massachusetts and have reported a personal experience of sexual abuse as a child. A qualitative approach, based on grounded theory, was used to explore this phenomenon. The findings of this study demonstrated that adult women, ages 35-50, described experiences with the following themes: (a) therapists not asking about childhood sexual abuse history, (b) need to help others (c) age and therapy, (d) body image, (e) intimacy, (f) psychological disorders, (g) self-esteem, (h) re-victimization, (i) weight, (j) physical symptomology, and (k) successful therapy. Results from this research could add to the current level of professional literature, as well as lead to improved treatment modalities for adults sexually abused as children.

 
AdviserChristopher Lucies
SchoolCAPELLA UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/B 70-12, p. , Jan 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsBehavioral sciences; Developmental psychology; Cognitive psychology
Publication Number3379882
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