RT Article
T1 Impact, Ramifications and Taking Back Control: A Qualitative Study of Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
JF Journal of interpersonal violence
VO 38
IS 1/2
SP 1868
OP 1892
A1 Patterson, Tess
A2 Campbell, Anna
A2 La Rooy, David
A2 Hobbs, Linda
A2 Clearwater, Ken
A2 Rapsey, Charlene
LA English
YR 2023
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1830285017
AB There is increasing recognition of the occurrence and frequency of male childhood sexual abuse (MCSA). Quantitative and qualitative research has demonstrated a number of adverse outcomes associated with MCSA in terms of mental health, physical health and difficulties in behavioural, social or interrelationship functioning. The present study gives voice to male survivors of childhood sexual abuse by exploring themes around the impact of MCSA over the course of their life. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of semi-structured interviews with nine male survivors of childhood sexual abuse identified a single overarching theme of control and six related superordinate themes of: (i) responsibility, blame and shame; (ii) development of knowledge about sex and abuse; (iii) avoidance of coping with abuse; (iv) effects on relationships as adults; (v) disclosure of abuse to others; and (vi) gaining a sense of meaning of the abuse. The findings showed that being sexually abused defines and controls a person’s life, and that despite the difficulties experienced by victims to move past the abuse, some experienced a degree of personal growth. The findings illustrate the way in which individuals can create meaning around their abuse experiences and take back control.
K1 Male survivors
K1 Male sexual abuse (MCSA)
K1 Child sexual abuse (CSA)
DO 10.1177/08862605221094629