Graduate Research Papers
Availability
Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Keywords
Adult child sexual abuse victims--Services for;
Abstract
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a critical public health issue that leaves enduring psychological, emotional, and social impacts on survivors. This paper examines the interrelated roles of social support, cultural background, and early interventions in promoting long-term resilience and recovery, with a particular focus on male and culturally diverse survivors. Grounded in Trauma and Resiliency Theory, this literature review highlights key protective factors—including emotional, informational, and instrumental support—while exploring how cultural norms, religious beliefs, and systemic stigma shape survivors’ coping strategies and access to care. The paper also evaluates the effectiveness of early interventions such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive therapies, and social-emotional learning in improving emotional regulation and social functioning. Notable gaps in the literature include the underrepresentation of male and non-binary survivors, limited cross-cultural data, and a lack of longitudinal studies assessing intervention outcomes. The paper concludes with targeted policy and practice recommendations aimed at expanding access to culturally competent, trauma-informed care and fostering systemic change to support lifelong healing among CSA survivors.
Year of Submission
2025
Department
Department of Social Work
First Advisor
Matthew Vasquez
Date Original
2025
Object Description
1 PDF file (27 pages)
Copyright
©2025 Alysha Haaland
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Haaland, Alysha, "Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: The Impact of Social Support, Cultural Background, and Early Interventions" (2025). Graduate Research Papers. 4626.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/4626
