Love of the Lotus: Exploring Romantic Relationships Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2024.0660Keywords:
Adult survivors of CSA, Child sexual abuse, Romantic relationshipsAbstract
This study delved into the unique challenges faced by survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in forming and maintaining romantic relationships. Romantic relationships, characterized by emotional connections and affection, are crucial for well-being, but CSA can lead to significant psychological effects, including PTSD, anxiety, and difficulties with trust and intimacy. In the Philippines, approximately 7 million children experience sexual abuse annually, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. The study was guided by Attachment Theory, which explains how early interactions with caregivers influence emotional and social growth, impacting the ability to form secure relationships in adulthood. Employing a qualitative research design, the Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA) was used to gather in-depth personal narratives from five adult survivors in long-term romantic relationships. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires via videoconferencing. The findings revealed ten (10) emergent themes: Holistic Bonding Practices; Trust Issues, Emotional Guardedness; Intimacy Barriers and Anxieties; Post-Traumatic Trust and Intimacy Challenges, Insecure Attachments and Growth; Selective Disclosure and Cautious Communication; Effective Communication and Emotional Connection; Emotional Regulation Within Relationships; Constructive Relational Dynamics; and Setting boundaries, Strength, and Resiliency. Despite the significant impact of past trauma, survivors exhibited remarkable resilience and potential for growth within their romantic relationships. Key coping strategies were identified as effective communication, emotional regulation, and boundary setting. The study emphasized the need for trauma-informed therapy, education for romantic partners, community support, and policy changes to foster healing and empowerment for CSA survivors.
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