Personal constructs of male survivors of childhood sexual abuse receiving cognitive analytic therapy.

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  • Author(s): Clarke S;Clarke S; Pearson C
  • Source:
    The British journal of medical psychology [Br J Med Psychol] 2000 Jun; Vol. 73 ( Pt 2), pp. 169-77.
  • Publication Type:
    Case Reports; Journal Article
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: British Psychological Society Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0370640 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0007-1129 (Print) Linking ISSN: 00071129 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Br J Med Psychol Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: Letchworth Eng : British Psychological Society
      Original Publication: London [etc.]
    • Subject Terms:
      Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* ; Identification, Psychological* ; Interpersonal Relations*; Child Abuse, Sexual/*psychology; Adult ; Child ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Self Concept ; Sexual Behavior
    • Abstract:
      Objective: This study assessed whether male survivors of sexual abuse identified with their abusers rather than their child- or victim-selves and failed to identify with men in general or with their victims, following abusive 'acting out'. Changes in both identification and symptomatology were assessed following cognitive analytic therapy.
      Design: A patient series within-participants design was used.
      Method: A repertory grid methodology examined four male survivors self-construals before and after therapy. Measures of symptomatic distress, depression, self-esteem and distorted beliefs related to childhood sexual abuse were also obtained.
      Results: Before therapy, patients showed little identification with the child-selves, men in general and ideal-selves. Two heterosexual patients identified with their abuser(s) whereas another, homosexual, patient negatively identified with his abuser. Patients did not identify with their victims following aggressive 'acting out'. After therapy, identification with the abuser reduced markedly; identification with victim- and ideal-self increased. Depression and distorted beliefs declined.
      Conclusion: Male survivors tend to identify with abusers and disavow their victim-hood. Sexual orientation may predict identification patterns. Cognitive analytic therapy may be a promising method of enabling survivors to integrate their abuse experience and reduce their commitment to the abuser role.
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20000630 Date Completed: 20001101 Latest Revision: 20191210
    • Publication Date:
      20240627
    • Accession Number:
      10.1348/000711200160408
    • Accession Number:
      10874477