Exploring the Lived Experiences of African American, Female Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of African American, female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Although previous research regarding CSA within the African American community has been conducted, few studies have used the participants' own words and experiences to obtain data. Thus, this study contributes to the existing literature by examining how these women perceive their lives to have been affected by their experiences of CSA. Data was obtained through two sources: phenomenological interviews and readings. Phenomenological interviews were used in this study because of the degree to which this type of methodology emphasizes participants' subjective experiences. These interviews were designed to gain a thorough understanding of how these women have been impacted by being victims of CSA. This researcher was also interested in learning about how these women have been able to conquer obstacles that both African American females and CSA survivors typically experience. Data was also collected through the reading of personal accounts and blogs written by African-American, female adult CSA survivors. This researcher read several accounts and documented themes that emerged within each woman's experience. Data was then analyzed using the phenomenological method. Findings of this study gave voice to the lived experiences of a group of African American, female, CSA survivors regarding their abuse experience and their process of recovery.