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.

KEYWORDS:

• Child sexual abuse
• adult survivor
• meaning-making
• self-structure
• therapy
• adjustments
• wellbeing
• recovery

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Claire Wright

Claire Wright, MA, works as a counsellor with adult clients. She is interested in researching how people heal after trauma generated by CSA. She received her MA from York St John University.

Lynne Gabriel

Lynne Gabriel, PhD, is Professor of Counselling & Mental Health and Director of York St John University Counselling & Mental Health Research Clinic.