Shame and Guilt in Men Exposed to Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

This study examined the experiences of shame and guilt in adult males sexually abused as children. Seven participants attending a service for male sexual abuse completed measures of shame, guilt, dissociation, and childhood trauma history and subsequently participated in a focus group. All participants experienced childhood sexual abuse in the "severe" range and showed elevated scores for shame, guilt, and dissociation. Four superordinate themes with associated subordinate themes emerged: (a) self-as-shame (foundations of self-as-shame, fear of exposure, temporary antidote: connection), (b) pervasiveness and power of doubt and denial (from others, from self, consequences of incredulity), (c) uncontrollability (of problems after disclosure, of rage, of intrusions and emotional pain), and (d) dissociation. Results are discussed with reference to the existing literature and the emerging "self-as-shame" construct, which appeared to encapsulate participants' view of themselves.

The Disclosure Experiences of Male Child Sexual Abuse Survivors

“…Male victims of CSA are often forgotten and seem almost invisible as their plight is so infrequently discussed (Easton, 2013;Alaggia, & Mishna, 2014). Society appears to promote the needs of female victims by focusing more attention on them than on male survivors of similar abuse (Dorahy, & Clearwater, 2012). The feminist movement, which contributed so positively to giving recognition to the issue of rape, violence and sexual abuse of women and children, has also unfortunately helped perpetuate the image that men should be seen 9!…”

“…Male survivors face challenges that differ from females, largely in relations to the social stereotypes placed on men and masculinity (Dorahy, & Clearwater, 2012). Indeed, being sexually abused as children may create serious struggles, for men, in regards to the views placed on their gender.…”

“…The authors further explained that due to the notion that men should be able to defend themselves against sexual abuse, those that do not manage to escape it, in some underlying way must have consented, and therefore their sexual orientation is sometimes put into question. Homophobia helps perpetuate an atmosphere of judgment, which only contributes to the shame and invisibility of male victims (Alaggia, 2010;Davies, & Rogers, 2006;Dorahy, & Clearwater, 2012;Hunter, 2011;Paine, & Hansen, 2002;Valente, 2005). Diamanduros, et al (2012) noted that the invisibility of male victims was fuelled by fears of being seen as weak or as a homosexual since "in our society, males are socialized to be dominant, independent, powerful, aggressive, and authoritarian" (p. 132).…”

“…Evidently, others' beliefs surrounding the abuse still weighs heavily on victims even later in their life; while disclosure may be more frequent in adulthood, it also leads some people to react negatively to victims who withheld their abuse until much later in life (Ahrens, et al, 2010;Jonzon, & Lindbland, 2004). Dorahy, and Clearwater (2012) similarly explained that the reaction of others is one of the common reasons why adults feared disclosure and why they often isolated themselves from others. Follette, et al, (2009) explained that the feeling of betrayal is increased if after the disclosure the survivor is not believed: "a trusted family member or friend who is unable or unwilling to believe or support the survivor can contribute to the traumagenic dynamics of betrayal" (p. 232).…”

“…Professionals can also unfortunately hold preconceived ideas regarding CSA victims as it has been noted that in several cases survivors who first disclosed to a professional where not believed (Dorahy, & Clearwater, 2012). Staller and Nelson-Gardell (2005) explained that when survivors meet new people they must make the conscious decision to tell or not to tell: "it means they must continue to make 'first disclosure' decisions with every new relationship.…”