Perspectives of Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse: An Exploration of the Adjustments to Self-Structure through Meaning-Making in Therapy

Abstract

This critical literature review explored how adult survivors of child sexual abuse experienced adjustments to their self-structure through meaning-making in therapy. Following extensive searches of academic databases, 15 studies were identified for review. Using thematic analysis, eight themes emerged. The eight identified themes of trust, acknowledgement, evolution, acceptance, integration, congruence, relational, and agency represented distinct but interrelated components of self-structure. The findings also indicated that self-structure components may be both intra- and interrelational in nature and that movement in one theme may facilitate movement in another. While recognizing that the nature of the research captured a composite of experiences, it was found that there was a consistent movement and fluidity as to how participants arrived at an adjusted position for each of the themes. A suggested theoretical framework was developed showing the components of the self-structure impacted by meaning-making and the nature of the adjustments made. Recommendations are made regarding future research.

Meaning Making Mechanisms in Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review

“…This mechanism discusses how survivors move from being a victim, to being a survivor, and ultimately, to being a thriver, which indicates meaning making, growth and healing from the traumatic event (Ben-David & Jonson-Reid, 2017; Krayer et al, 2015; Wright & Gabriel, 2018). However, it is important to note that CSA recovery is not a linear process as survivors move back and forth during the healing and meaning making process.…”

“…Ultimately, some survivors aim to improve the lives of others by spreading kindness, acceptance, compassion, hope, and positive messages based on their struggle to overcome their trauma and what they had learned throughout their recovery process (Chouliara & Narang, 2017; Hall, 2003; Phillips & Daniluk, 2004; Saha et al, 2011; Strachman Miller, 2005; Wright & Gabriel, 2018). This included maternal care where purpose was to protect, care for, and connect to their children was identified as a way of making meaning after their CSA experiences (Hall, 2003; Vilenica et al, 2013; Walker-Williams et al, 2014; Wienholz, 2014).…”

“…Therefore, prioritizing self-care and inner healing seems to be an important mechanism of meaning making throughout the CSA recovery process. During this process, some survivors appear to feel more positive, hopeful, and optimistic about their future and feel an innate desire to improve their lives by aspiring to reach their goals and plan a better future (Ben-David & Jonson-Reid, 2017; Bradley & Follingstad, 2001; Burke Draucker et al, 2009; Domhardt et al, 2015; Fleming-Hardy, 2017; Gall et al, 2007; Haffejee & Theron, 2017; Hartley et al, 2016; Kaye-Tzadok & Davidson-Arad, 2016a; Morrow & Smith, 1995; Saha et al, 2011; Simpson, 2010; Wright & Gabriel, 2018). Kaye-Tzadok and Davidson-Arad (2016a) emphasized the importance of hope for the future in the healing process and found that hope was positively correlated to resilience and finding meaning in the trauma.…”

“…Survivors whose parents did not protect them strive to be better parents to their own children by nurturing, taking good care of, and protecting them from harm (O’Dougherty Wright et al, 2007). Some survivors attempt to protect their children from CSA by educating them, keeping them away from known perpetrators or abusive family members and showing affection in a safe way (Burke Draucker et al, 2011; Haffejee & Theron, 2017; Hartley et al, 2016; Kaye-Tzadok & Davidson-Arad, 2016a; McMillen et al, 1995; Warner Stidham et al, 2012; Wright & Gabriel, 2018).…”

Left / Write // Hook: A mixed method study of a writing and boxing workshop for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and trauma

“…Meaning-making is an essential component in the recovery of survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their ability to re-claim a sense of self (Anderson & Hiersteiner, 2008). Wright and Gabriel (2018) draw on the findings of Bogar & Hulse-Killacky, 2006;Vilencia et al, 2013 andWright et al, 2007, to assert that "accepting and understanding the impact on survivors' lives and self-structure, changing old self-beliefs and self-views, and restoring congruency are essential components in the recovery from CSA" (p. 664). Further to this, their findings identified eight key themes which were evident in a survivor's experience of meaning-making.…”