Work

Sexual education and development after early childhood sexual abuse: A qualitative study of experiences of parents and children

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In the Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case (ASAC), infants and toddlers experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The perpetrator was convicted, and psychosocial care was offered to children and families. A research project was established to investigate the impact of CSA at an early age, with this study specifically focusing on sexual education and development. To investigate parents' and children's experiences with sexual education and development following CSA. We conducted interviews with 18 parents of 20 children, and with 6 children themselves. On average, the children were 16 months old at the time of the CSA and 16 years old during the interviews. Qualitative open interviews using an interview guide, followed by thematic analysis. In general, parents and children reported common experiences with sexual education and development. However, some distinctive concerns related to past CSA were mentioned by parents such as added weight to talking about sex, being more cautious, and additional conversations about boundaries and possible influence on sexual experiences. Also, both parents and children expressed uncertainty about the impact of the past sexual abuse on sexual development. Our findings generally align with existing literature on sexual education in a non-abused population. Impact on sexual development as perceived by parents and children was mostly absent, indicating resilience. Nonetheless, distinctive concerns and uncertainties about the impact of early CSA persist. Future research should delve deeper into the long-term consequences of early CSA and the factors contributing to resilience over time. • Survivors of early CSA and their parents generally encounter similar challenges in sexual education compared to the general population • Parents know distinctive concerns in regard to the added weight of talking about sex-related topics after CSA, being more cautious and having additional conversations about boundaries and possible influence on sexual experiences. • Survivors of very early CSA in this sample, with a convicted extrafamilial perpetrator and a psychosocial support system, appear to undergo largely undisturbed sexual development, as reported by themselves and their parents. Yet, both parents and children expressed having to deal with uncertainty about the impact of the past sexual abuse on themselves. • These findings suggest that some survivors of very early CSA may not exhibit a disturbed sexual development, indicating resilience. Growing up in a safe and caring environment, access to professional care and long-term monitoring may be factors contributing to resilience.

Source: Child Abuse & Neglect

DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107069

Authors: M. van der Burgt, G. Widdershoven, A.P. Verhoeff, I.M. Hein

Institutions: Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, GGD Amsterdam, Levvel

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,140