It Happened to Me: A Qualitative Analysis of Boys’ Narratives About Child Sexual Abuse

ABSTRACT

Previous research on children’s narratives about sexual abuse written predominately by girls uncovered several themes, including: (a) memories of the abuse, (b) the disclosure and subsequent events, and (c) the healing journey and a meta-theme titled “fear and safety.” This follow-up study explored how boys describe their life prior to, during, and after sexual abuse in the form of trauma narratives and if there are distinctive features of boys’ experiences that differ from those of girls. Analysis of narratives written by males ages 3 to 17 (N = 19) found that boys ascribe to the same themes as the initial research but also have experiences and perspectives that are unique to being male survivors. This article focuses on the first two themes: memories of the abuse and the disclosure and subsequent events. Gender differences are discussed along with recommendations for prevention of male sexual abuse.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescent
• children
• counseling
• disclosure
• males
• memories
• prevention
• victim

Disclosure of interest

Author declares that she has no conflicts to report.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer M. Foster

Jennifer M. Foster, PhD, LMHC, is an assistant professor at Western Michigan University. Her research focuses on the developmental impact of childhood trauma and the identification of strategies to prevent child sexual abuse.