title: Posttraumatic growth among men with histories of child sexual abuse.
abstract: Despite an increased risk of long-term mental health problems, many survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) experience positive changes in areas such as appreciation for life, personal strength, and interpersonal relationships. Drawing on life course theory, this study examined factors related to posttraumatic growth among a sample of men with CSA histories (N = 487). Using multiple linear regression (i.e., ordinary least squares), we found that men who had a better understanding of the sexual abuse experience, who ascribed to less traditional masculine norms, and who experienced a turning point reported greater growth. To promote growth, practitioners can help survivors understand the meaning and impact of the abuse on their lives and deconstruct rigid gender norms. More research on growth is needed with male survivors, especially on the nature of turning points in the recovery process.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Scott D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Easton
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Coohey
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rhodes
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Moorthy
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D002977:Clergy; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D057228:Masculinity; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014342:Truth Disclosure
keywords: child sexual abuse; disclosure; male survivors; masculinity; posttraumatic growth; social support; turning points