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Dissertation
Sexually abused children and their parents: an examination of external conditions and internal perceptions as they relate to participation in psychotherapy
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
Aug 1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00008813
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) has existed throughout recorded history and has been referred to in mythology. Today, CSA affects many children and families throughout the world and is a prominent concern to healthcare professionals and the community at large. A few treatments have been found to help children who have been sexually abused, however, the burgeoning research dealing with CSA has not fully developed. The purpose of this study is to examine children and caregivers' perceptions related to issues regarding participation in psychotherapy for children who have had experiences of sexually abuse. Data were collected from two sites, Joseph J. Peters Institute (JJPI) and the Center for Children's Support (CCS). Both centers focus on the psychological treatment of children who have been sexually abused. Seventy-one families who had contact with either site between 1986 and 1994 participated in the study. The families were interviewed and asked various questions pertaining to their perceptions of their experiences with psychotherapy. Demographic information was collected and some information was obtained from previous files. Each family received $100.00 in compensation for their time and efforts. Once the data were obtained, the SPSS PC+ statistical program was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that, overall, the subjects had positive views of their psychotherapy experience and perceived benefit from it. The children and caregivers' perception were more similar than dissimilar. The focus of therapy was found to be an important factor related to satisfaction with therapy. Several reasons for discontinuing therapy were found. When attempting to discriminate between people who continued in therapy and those who discontinued, internal perceptions and external conditions were not found to be helpful in differentiating the two groups. The results are discussed in relation to the existing literature and directions for future research are suggested. This was an exploratory study and the results should be interpreted with much caution due to the sampling bias.
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Details
- Title
- Sexually abused children and their parents
- Creators
- Nanette Cheri Sudler
- Contributors
- Patrick W. McGuffin (Advisor) - Drexel University, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (1996-1998)
- Awarding Institution
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- x, 147 unnumbered pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (1996-1998); Clinical and Health Psychology [Historical]; School of Health Professions (1996-1998)
- Other Identifier
- 991021888875904721