Delusional themes of penetration and loss of boundaries and their relation to early sexual trauma in psychotic disorder

Abstract

This paper explores how the psychotic experience of the penetration of destructive objects and a loss of boundaries appears in the delusions experienced by a woman who reported early sexual trauma. Through a close analysis of these psychotic experiences, this research seeks to illustrate how a psychotic personality organization, coupled with repeated early attacks on the integrity and boundaries of the self, can create a pervasive sense of being relentlessly pursued and penetrated by destructive objects. These delusions may serve multiple functions, as will be discussed. It is suggested that working through these experiences within the therapeutic relationship involves a gradual process of separating the inner from the outer, the destructive from the benevolent, so that a less fragmented, more integrated sense of self can emerge.

Losses Associated With Childhood Sexual Abuse in Women Survivors: A Scoping Review

“…Included for analysis was only empirical retrospective studies, published between 1992 and 2019, in which women survivors of CSA self-reported loss relating to their CSA. Of the studies for the summary analysis, the majority ( n = 13) were from the United States, one study each was found in Australia (Goldman & Bode, 2012), Canada (Mcevoy & Daniluk, 1995), New Zealand (Romans et al, 2001), Israel (Chopra, 2006), and South Africa (Ebrahim et al, 2018), and two were unspecified (Oz, 2005; Roth & Newman, 1992). Ten of the 20 studies specified the participant’s race.…”

“…There was a clear indication in three studies that personal boundaries were violated and/or disrespected during the CSA abuse (Chopra, 2006; Schwerdtfeger & Wampler, 2009; Thomas & Hall, 2008). Through the experience of CSA survivors feel that their personal dignity is betrayed, this may lead to survivors feeling dependent on the perpetrator, as the perpetrator allowed them to feel cared for and protected (Liem et al, 1992).…”

“…Through the experience of CSA survivors feel that their personal dignity is betrayed, this may lead to survivors feeling dependent on the perpetrator, as the perpetrator allowed them to feel cared for and protected (Liem et al, 1992). In this regard, survivors had not yet established a complete self-identity, and this perpetrator invasion could further verify their loss of an “inside–outside boundary” (Chopra, 2006, p. 494). Thomas and Hall (2008) observed in their findings that participants “were deprived of the safety and security that children should receive” (p. 154).…”

“…Furthermore, due to the fact that a majority of women who experienced sexual abuse as children were abused in their own homes by known perpetrators, the vulnerability and loss experienced are amplified as they were deprived of the security and safety one would assume to receive from a family home (Chopra, 2006; Hightower et al, 2006). Studies also reported that women CSA survivor’s relationships were also adversely impacted after the traumatic ordeal, and this withdrawal from others resulted in a general loss of a sense of safety (Schwerdtfeger & Wampler, 2009; Thomas & Hall, 2008).…”

“…Female survivors of CSA often experience a complete loss of control and sense of helplessness which results in an extreme fear, and so they disconnect from others. They often unintentionally or vicariously reexperience the trauma and so try to avoid people or situations that were associated with the traumatic event (Chen, 2016; Chopra, 2006; Noll et al, 2003; Schwerdtfeger & Wampler, 2009).…”