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Living beside traumatic experience
1Ryerson University.
Summary
This study critiques the medical model for sexual abuse survivors, proposing a post-structural approach. This "living beside trauma" framework better addresses survivors' experiences beyond mastery and control.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- The medical model's approach to sexual abuse survivors often emphasizes mastery and control.
- This framework may not fully capture the complexities of survivors' experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the limitations of the medical model in understanding sexual abuse survivors.
- To propose an alternative framework for conceptualizing survivors' experiences.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of autobiographical vignettes from a sexual abuse survivor.
- Application of post-structural theory.
Main Results:
- The medical model's goals of mastery and control are rooted in individualistic self-conceptions.
- A post-structural formulation of "living beside traumatic experience" offers a more nuanced understanding.
- Six key contributions of this alternative framework are outlined.
Conclusions:
- A post-structural perspective, termed "living beside traumatic experience," provides a more comprehensive understanding of sexual abuse survivors.
- This approach moves beyond the limitations of the medical model's focus on rational control.