Exploring stigmatised loss in adult women who experienced child sexual abuse

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore what is known from literature and practice about stigmatised loss in female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The current study was conducted in two phases using exploratory qualitative research with Bloom’s model of stigmatised loss as a conceptual framework. During phase one, a scoping review of 19 studies was conducted. Thematic analysis of the studies identified in the scoping review recognised three stigmatised losses, namely: a loss of safety; deprivation of fundamental psychological needs; and a loss of sexual capacity. Hereafter a focus group discussion and individual interview with four helping professionals working with female adult survivors of CSA in practice was conducted to obtain input and/or identify any additional emerging stigmatised losses. Qualitative secondary analysis (QSA) was conducted in phase two using two sets of data collected during treatment sessions (N = 15) of the Survivor to Thriver (S2T) collaborative strengths-based group intervention programme for female survivors of CSA. All three stigmatised losses found in phase one were identified in the transcripts as well as an additional stigmatised loss: a loss of true self emerging. Further research is suggested to verify and expand on the findings of this study so as to inform treatment interventions for CSA survivors in South Africa