Theoretical Perspectives of Male Sexual Abuse: Conceptualization of a Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the traumatic impact that sexual abuse can have on a young male's development by addressing mediating dispositions that can render a child vulnerable to the effects of sexual abuse. Consideration is given to three different theoretical perspectives that are not exclusive to male victims but shed light on the impact that sexual abuse can have on the development of a young boy. These perspectives include early family relationships and attachment theory, developmental psychopathology, and trauma theory. These theoretical lenses provide a conceptual understanding into why some victims are vulnerable to the effects of sexual abuse. Each theoretical view is applied to a case study of an adolescent male with a history of early trauma and sexual abuse. Clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• trauma
• adolescents
• children
• vulnerability
• disposition

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Terry Diamanduros

Terry Diamanduros, PhD, is an associate professor at the School Psychology in the Department of Leadership, Technology and Human Development, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia.

Clare E. Cosentino

Clare E. Cosentino, PhD, is a licensed psychologist current in private practice in New York City and has faculty appointment as a clinical assistant professor of medical psychology at Columbia University College of Physician and Surgeons and clinical assistant professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at New York University Child Study Center.

P. Dawn Tysinger

P. Dawn Tysinger, PhD, is an assistant professor at the School Psychology in the Department of Leadership, Technology and Human Development, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia.

Jeffrey A. Tysinger

Jeffrey A. Tysinger, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Leadership, Technology and Human Development, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia.