Dissertation
Experiences of sexual and physical intimacy from the voices of African American female childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors: a phenomenological study
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Feb 2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7242
Abstract
African American women currently make up approximately 13% of the female population in the United States (U.S.) (Guerra, 2013), yet 40% of African American women will report they have been coerced into some form of sexual contact before the age of 18 (Women of Color Network, 2006). African American women are also more likely to experience some of the severest forms of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). An experience of CSA can put a significant strain on the ways in which a survivor experiences physical and sexual intimacy with a romantic partner in adulthood. It is necessary to examine how CSA affects physical and sexual intimacy among African American females considering they are most: (a) likely to endure CSA, (b) susceptible to negative effects of CSA, and (c) a relationally injured by historical sexual trauma in the U.S. The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of sexual and physical intimacy in opposite-sex, romantic relationships among African American females who have endured CSA. There were three main themes that emerged from this study: a) CSA does have a negative impact on intimate interactions and behaviors in early adulthood, b) positive experiences of intimacy are possible in the context of a stable and loving relationship after CSA, and c) partner's awareness of the abuse does positively influence how intimacy is received and reciprocate.
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Details
- Title
- Experiences of sexual and physical intimacy from the voices of African American female childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors
- Creators
- Allena Michelle' Moncrief - DU
- Contributors
- Marlene F. Watson (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- x, 227 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Counseling and Family Therapy; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7242; 991014632847304721