NCJ Number
165004
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 20 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1996) Pages: 747-758
Date Published
1996
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This research examined cognitive coping strategies associated with resilience in a nonclinical sample of child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors.
Abstract
In Study 1, 180 college women completed surveys that assessed self-enhancing cognitive distortions of reality, known as positive illusions, as well as CSA history. CSA survivors and nonvictimized women were found to be equally likely to engage in illusion; and for both groups, measure of illusion was strongly associated with psychological well-being. In Study 2, a qualitative study, a subsample of 20 CSA survivors from Study 1 was interviewed regarding their efforts to cope with CSA. Analysis focused on comparisons between well-adjusted and poorly adjusted women. The high adjustment group revealed a greater tendency to engage in four types of cognitive strategies: disclosing and discussing CSA, minimization, positive reframing, and refusing to dwell on the experience. The research, both quantitative and qualitative, suggests that cognitive coping strategies have an important role in adjustment among survivors of CSA. In both studies, cognitive styles of adaptation were associated with resilience. These styles include, but are not limited to, exaggerated perceptions of personal control, unrealistic optimism, disclosure and discussion of CSA, minimization, positive reframing, and the conscious refusal to dwell on CSA. Women who attempted to suppress memories of CSA without ever having thought through the experience tended to find that their healing was incomplete. The well-adjusted group stands as evidence that this "working through" process does not require formal therapy, although clearly the presence of a supportive other on the receiving end of CSA disclosure is important. In addition, therapists should be aware that not all self-deception is unhealthy. Although defenses become extreme or deteriorate under stress, illusions are flexible, bending and changing in response to new information or threat. 2 tables and 25 references