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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:SSU.etd-03292011-174437 |
| Date | 14 April 2011 |
| Creators | Thorpe , Angela Joy |
| Contributors | Nicol, Jennifer, Lovrod, Marie, Hellsten, Laurie, Martin, Stephanie |
| Publisher | University of Saskatchewan |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://library.usask.ca/theses/available/etd-03292011-174437/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to University of Saskatchewan or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
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