Disclosing the details of child sexual abuse: can imaginative literature help ease the suffering?
OBJECTIVE
Research indicates that full disclosure of the events surrounding child sexual abuse, while therapeutic, is often difficult to achieve.


METHODS
A nonconventional research approach was employed in order to examine more closely the lived experience of these children. Two novels were analyzed using close reading.


RESULTS
Details of the events and resultant dehumanization of the children were uncovered, as well as the rescuing role of the ancestor. Writing emerged also as a therapeutic tool that facilitated disclosure and helped to promote healing.


CONCLUSIONS
The analysis of imaginative literature enables the reader to examine sensitive topics like sexual abuse and contributes to its treatment.
Harrison
Elizabeth
E
Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI, USA. lizbil@centurytel.net
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001741:Black or African American / Q000266:history*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000266:history*; D005239:Fear; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007179:Incest / Q000266:history*; D008093:Literature, Modern / Q000266:history*; D008132:Loneliness; D008513:Medicine in Literature; D033262:Narration / Q000266:history; D011209:Power, Psychological; D002666:Psychology, Child / Q000266:history; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012660:Semantics; D012752:Shame