Stress management for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse: a holistic inquiry.
Among the many sequelae of childhood sexual abuse is a maladaptive response to stress. Stress has been linked to a reduction in the immune system's ability to resist disease. The purpose of this exploratory mixed-method study is to examine the experience of stress management training for 35 adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Data gathered for analysis include pre- and postintervention saliva samples for sIgA, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, and a postintervention qualitative interview. Stress management strategies enhance immunity (increase in salivary immunoglobulin A, p < .05) and coping (less distancing, p < .001; less escape-avoidance, p < .001; more planful problem solving, p < .01; and more positive reappraisal, p < .001). Grounded theory analysis finds three themes emerging: hypervigilance , an outward-focused hyperawareness; somatic detachment, a lack of inward focus on self; and healing pathway, the process of healing from the abuse. Healing is possible.
Wilson
Debra Rose
DR
Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, USA. Debrarosewilson@comcast.net
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D015144:Southeastern United States; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory