Resilience in healing from childhood sexual abuse
by Chandler, Patricia, Ph.D., SAYBROOK GRADUATE SCHOOL AND RESEARCH CENTER, 2010, 192 pages; 3418925

Abstract:

This study was conducted to shed light on the effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on adult female survivors and to research survivor resiliency with the integration of alternative and traditional healing methods. The study employed a mixed-methods approach including the use of questionnaires, a qualitative interview, art creation, and review of relevant literature to examine the phenomena. Narrative-style interviews gathered stories of abuse and recovery for 10 female CSA survivors to enhance understanding of regaining resiliency with conventional psychotherapy and pharmacology integrated with spiritual practices and alternative therapies. The creation of artwork reflected what wellness might look like to each participant. Three questionnaires: a nonstandardized psychological and medical history, the Hardiness Scale and the Purpose in Life Test were employed. Content analysis was employed to gather code families for the qualitative data, the Hardiness Scale and Purpose in Life Test provided statistical confirmation of participants’ self-reported level of resiliency and degree of integration of meaning in life. Results are provided in narrative format with artwork displayed and in thematic-conceptual matrix tables consistent with conclusions from the literature review, including that early onset of sexual abuse is associated with an increased propensity to disassociate, leading to problems across all areas of life. Research into efficacy of integrative therapies with this population remains limited. In response to the question of what traditional and integrative strategies were helpful to integration of abuse history, all participants had experienced a variety of integrative healing techniques and endorsed some form of mindfulness practice and somatic therapies as being the most helpful among integrative therapies in eliminating unconscious triggered responses that resulted from abuse. Participants identified specific attributes of resiliency they regained despite early childhood trauma with a combination of treatment modalities and 80% rated their high level of integration through identification with purpose in life that is associated with service. Continued research into incorporation of integrative healing practices, mindfulness training, and creative practices in treatment for the long-term effects of CSA appears warranted.

 
AdviserJeanne Achterberg
SchoolSAYBROOK GRADUATE SCHOOL AND RESEARCH CENTER
SourceDAI/B 71-10, p. , Sep 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsCounseling psychology; Clinical psychology; Spirituality
Publication Number3418925
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3418925
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.