Aspects of social support and disclosure in the context of institutional abuse – long-term impact on mental health

Abstract

BackgroundThe psychological sequelae of institutionalized abuse and its long-term consequences has not been systematically documented in existing literature in regarding social support once disclosure has been made. Reporting abuse is crucial, in particular for adult victims of childhood IA within the Catholic Church. Nevertheless, there is ongoing controversy about the benefits of disclosure. Our study examines the interaction of disclosure and subsequent social support in relation to mental health. We look into the times of disclosure, the behaviour during the disclosure to a commission as adults, different level of perceived social support, and the effect on mental health.MethodsThe data were collected in a sample of financially compensated adult survivors who experienced institutionalized abuse during their childhood, using instruments to measure perceived social support, reaction to disclosure, PTSD, and further symptoms.ResultsHigh levels of perceived social support after early disclosure result in a higher level of mental health and contribute to less emotionally reactive behaviour during disclosure of past institutionalized abuse. Highly perceived levels of social support seem to play a crucial role in mental health, but this inference may be weakened by a possible interference of a lasting competence in looking for social support versus social influences.ConclusionFuture research should thus disentangle perceived social support into the competence of looking for social support versus socially influenced factors to provide more clarity about the positive association of perceived social support and mental health.

Embitterment in War Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

“…Arousal is marked by aggressive, reckless or self-destructive behavior, sleep disturbances, hyper-vigilance or related problems ( 26 ). Anger and aggression have been frequently reported after the experience of sexual abuse ( 27 ). Researchers have proposed many theories to explain the development of PTSD, including biological theories, and psychological theories.…”

“…Lueger-Schuster et all in stresses the importance of social support in PTSD. Perceived social support, that is being embedded in social interactions that provide individuals with actual assistance perceived to be caring, and having the notion that support is available at any time, might buffer trauma related psychopathology, thus perceived social support might be an influential factor for the recovery ( 27 ).…”

Substance use in Spanish adolescents: The relationship between depression and social support seeking

“…In fact, individuals who smoke have been found to have a larger circle of smokers, suggesting that social support not only entails a lack of support, but is a risk factor in itself (Lueger-Schuster et al, 2015). This influence of social and family support has also been found to be Specifically, differences were observed in the consumption in adolescents who were related to drug consumers, where, in the case of cannabis, such adolescents were almost twice as likely to be consumers.…”

Different Contexts of Sexual Abuse With a Special Focus on the Context of Christian Institutions: Results From the General Population in Germany

“…● Europe, including studies for○ Austria (Keupp et al, 2015; Lueger-Schuster et al, 2012, 2014)○ Germany (Fegert et al, 2011; Fernau & Hellmann, 2014; Keupp et al, 2013; Leygraf et al, 2012; Rassenhofer et al, 2015; Raue, 2010, 2011; Westphal et al, 2010, 2011; Zimmer et al, 2014; Zinsmeister et al, 2011)○ Ireland (Goode et al, 2003F. D. Murphy et al, 2005J.…”