The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experienced impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) within the context of intimate relationships. Few studies have examined the lived experience of CSA within the context of a relationship from the perspective both partners. Further, previous research in the area of CSA has primarily focused on the trauma experienced by the survivor, thus excluding the impact of CSA on the couple relationship. Examining the impact of CSA on intimate relationships is important as those individuals in close relationship with the survivor will often also experience the impact of the long-term sequelae associated with CSA. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explore the lived experiences of individuals who have experienced CSA and their partners. Data generated during two joint interviews with three participant couples were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. An over-arching theme of hope and healing: past yet present, healed yet healing emerged from the data; this theme was impacted by the additional themes identified throughout the analysis process. The additional three themes were: living with the unknown, (barely) surviving, and commitment. Given the limited research on the impact of CSA on intimate partnerships and the focus of existing studies on the more negative aspects of the impact CSA has on relationships, the theme of hope and healing: past yet present, healed yet healing provides a valuable contribution to the literature. These themes are discussed along with implications for counselling practices and future research.

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experienced impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) within the context of intimate relationships. Few studies have examined the lived experience of CSA within the context of a relationship from the perspective both partners. Further, previous research in the area of CSA has primarily focused on the trauma experienced by the survivor, thus excluding the impact of CSA on the couple relationship. Examining the impact of CSA on intimate relationships is important as those individuals in close relationship with the survivor will often also experience the impact of the long-term sequelae associated with CSA. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explore the lived experiences of individuals who have experienced CSA and their partners. Data generated during two joint interviews with three participant couples were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. An over-arching theme of hope and healing: past yet present, healed yet healing emerged from the data; this theme was impacted by the additional themes identified throughout the analysis process. The additional three themes were: living with the unknown, (barely) surviving, and commitment. Given the limited research on the impact of CSA on intimate partnerships and the focus of existing studies on the more negative aspects of the impact CSA has on relationships, the theme of hope and healing: past yet present, healed yet healing provides a valuable contribution to the literature. These themes are discussed along with implications for counselling practices and future research.

Mood disorders are often linked with concurrent partner relational distress. The present study compared the cost effectiveness of treating mood disorder alone versus when the condition is comorbid with partner relational distress. Cigna, a leading health insurance management company in the US, provided outpatient data. Participants included patients with solely a mood disorder diagnosis (n = 72,712) and those with both a mood disorder and a comorbid partner relational distress diagnosis (n = 113, including 69 females and 44 males). These participants were treated in outpatient settings throughout the US. These numbers are surprisingly low considering the extensive literature showing a strong relationship between mood disorder and partner relational distress. A multivariate general linear model and binary logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Results indicate that having a mood disorder present with a partner relational distress disorder significantly increased the average cost of care by about $471 per person compared to having solely a mood disorder. For mood disorders alone, there were also differences in cost effectiveness and readmission for mood disorders by professional license type, age, and gender with counselors being the most cost effective and medical doctors being the least (60% more costly). The treatment modality used impacted readmission rates, with family therapy having the lowest (8.54%) and mixed therapy having the highest (33.54%). Due to the small sample size, we were unable to determine the significance of subsequent analyses for comorbid disorders. Clinical implications and future directions for research will be discussed.