Journeys to recovery : clinicians' conceptualisations of recovery in child sexual abuse : a grounded theory study

• Main Author: McArthur, L.
• Published: University of Edinburgh 2009
• Subjects: 155
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.657511

The experience of child sexual abuse has been associated with emotional and behavioural problems in childhood and mental health problems in later life (Kendall-Tackett <i>et al</i>, 1993). Clinicians may be required to have awareness of multiple theoretical models and approaches to provide the highly individualised interventions required. However, the impact of this upon clinicians has rarely been considered. This study explored clinicians’ conceptualisations of recovery in child sexual abuse and the effect of these upon clinical practice. In-depth interviews were carried out with twelve clinicians working within three child sexual abuse teams and were analysed using a Grounded Theory methodology (Strauss &amp; Corbin, 1998). Through analysis of the interview material two core categories emerged. The first related to the conceptualisation of recovery as an ongoing, individualised, developmental journey. Four distinct phases of this process emerged within this category, including building safety and trust, integration and meaning making, finding worth in the self and others and re-engaging with the world. The second core category related to the factors which influenced clinicians’ conceptualisations. These were concerns about stigma and power, developmental orientation, personal experiences or ethos, therapeutic orientation and systemic influences. Results highlighted considerable concerns about stigma amongst clinicians. These appeared to relate to the unique developmental sensitivity experienced by child and adolescent workers. The complexity of conceptualising recovery processes within childhood was explored and the need for unifying, developmentally sensitive theoretical models and guidelines highlighted.