The impact of keeping the secret of childhood sexual abuse: A qualitative research study

Abstract

This is a small scale qualitative research study exploring the impact of keeping the secret of childhood sexual abuse. Five qualified counsellors who had experienced sexual abuse in their childhood explore the impact of keeping their secret. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews and four of the participants produced creative illustrations relating to the impact of keeping their secret. The data were analysed using an inductive approach, the constant comparative method, as described by Glaser and Strauss (1967). The findings of the study indicate that the impact of keeping the secret is difficult to separate from the impact of abuse. However threats to ensure silence, children’s difficulty in using their voice, negative impact on relationships, loss of sense of self and seeing self as ‘different’, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and withdrawing behaviour appeared to be more closely related to the impact of keeping the secret. Potential areas for further research are also indicated.