Recovering From Childhood Sexual Abuse: Is a “Storybook Ending” Possible?

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the recovery stories of 27 adult sexual abuse survivors. Although recovery is highly individualized, participants' narratives indicated three critical elements: (1) disclosing the abuse; (2) making meaning of one's trauma; and (3) developing supportive relationships. Contrasting perspectives toward recovery and healing were revealed where as the former was viewed by participants as obtainable while the latter was not. Results from this study underscore the challenges of opening “space” within adult survivors' narratives for considering alterative meanings and thus alternative futures.

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