title: Coping strategies used by survivors of childhood sexual abuse on the journey to recovery.
abstract: This interpretative phenomenological analysis study explored seven adult survivors' experiences of coping with childhood sexual abuse and identified their coping strategies on the road to recovery. Data for the analysis was collected using semistructured interviews. The analytical process yielded two key theme clusters: avoidant coping strategies and problem-focused coping strategies. The participants journeyed through similar gradual and dynamic coping processes by initially adopting avoidant strategies before turning to problem-focused ones. A healthy process of coping with sexual abuse involved seeking support, cognitive engagement, optimistic thinking, self-acceptance, and seeking meaning strategies. This study suggests that problem-focused coping strategies should be promoted as part of therapeutic intervention.
authors.affiliation: University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
authors.forename: Thanomjit
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Phanichrat
authors.forename: Julia M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Townshend
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires