Involvement in high-profile child sexual abuse controversies: costs and benefits

The costs and benefits associated with participation in conflicts around child sexual abuse are explored. Using qualitative data from interviews with 40 high-profile participants, findings suggest that professionals experience both positive and negative consequences as a result of their involvement. Costs identified include attacks and misrepresentations, harm to health or emotional well-being, and career losses or changes. Benefits included personal growth, a sense of personal satisfaction, and career enhancement. Women were found to have experienced more impacts overall than men. Psychological theories about stress and coping and sociological theories about social movement participation are used to explore why people remain committed despite the risks associated with participation. Material rewards, commitment to change, the development of a highly salient identity, and the support of social networks may be contributing factors.