“From that Moment on My Life Changed”: Turning Points in the Healing Process for Men Recovering from Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Recent research indicates that child sexual abuse often undermines the health of boys and men across the lifespan. However, some male survivors experience a turning point marking a positive change in their health trajectories and healing process. Although frequently discussed in reference to physical health problems or addictions, very little is known about turning points with respect to child sexual abuse for men. The purpose of this secondary qualitative analysis was to describe the different types of turning points experienced by male survivors who completed the 2010 Health and Well-Being Survey (N = 250). Using conventional content analysis, researchers identified seven types of turning points that were classified into three broad categories: influential relationships (professional and group support, personal relationships), insights and new meanings (cognitive realizations, necessity to change, spiritual transformation), and action-oriented communication (disclosure of CSA, pursuit of justice). Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• child sexual abuse
• male survivors
• turning points
• disclosure
• healing
• growth
• recovery

Additional information

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the John A. Hartford Foundation (Geriatric Social Work Initiative) and the Institute on Aging at Boston College.

Notes on contributors

Scott D. Easton

Scott D. Easton, PhD, LMSW, ACSW, is an assistant professor in the Department of Mental Health at the Boston College School of Social Work. His research interests include the examination of risk and protection factors related to long-term mental health for survivors of child sexual abuse. He earned his MSW and PhD from the University of Iowa and his BA from Harvard University.

Danielle M. Leone-Sheehan

Danielle M. Leone-Sheehan, MSN, RN, is a doctoral student at the Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing. She is also an instructor at Saint Anselm College. She received her MSN from Boston College.

Ellen J. Sophis

Ellen J. Sophis, BA, is a graduate student pursuing her MSW in the Boston College School of Social Work. She received her BA from the College of the Holy Cross.

Danny G. Willis

Danny G. Willis, DNS, RN, PMHCNS-BC, is an associate professor and department chair in the William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College. His current research interests focus on the phenomenon of healing and men’s health and well-being in the aftermath of experiences of traumatic and marginalizing abuse.