title: The Nature of Posttraumatic Growth in Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse.
abstract: Potential negative sequelae for survivors of child sexual abuse is well documented. However, growing evidence suggests that some individuals who actively cope with traumatic events can progress from a negative trajectory toward positive psychological change, often termed posttraumatic growth. Current posttraumatic growth theories may be of limited applicability to developmental considerations involved in child sexual abuse. This explorative study examines posttraumatic growth among adult female survivors of child sexual abuse. In-depth interviews were conducted with six participants who believed they had grown through coping with their abuse. Data was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate and nine subordinate themes were identified and explored. Some participants reported experiencing growth and distress simultaneously. Theoretical and clinical implications are examined in relation to the study's findings.
authors.affiliation: a University of Oxford, Institute of Clinical Psychology Training, Isis Education Centre, Warneford Hospital, Headington , Oxford , UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hartley
authors.affiliation: b University of South Florida , St. Petersburg , Florida , USA.
authors.forename: Carly
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Johnco
authors.affiliation: c St. Andrews Healthcare , Northampton , UK.
authors.forename: Marthinus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hofmeyr
authors.affiliation: d Older People's Clinical Psychology Service , Northampton , UK.
authors.forename: Alexis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berry
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Abuse; childhood sexual abuse; incest; posttraumatic growth; trauma; women