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Understanding what is hidden. Shame in sexual abuse
1Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia.
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Understanding shame is crucial for treating sexual abuse and exploitation victims. Therapists must recognize shame
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Shame is a complex emotion triggered by exposure or reduced self-esteem.
- It has physiological and cognitive components, leading to hiding behaviors and defenses like anger or silence.
Observation:
- Sexual abuse and exploitation inherently involve exposure and privacy dynamics.
- Shame conflict appears central to the genesis of sexual abuse and exploitation.
- Psychotherapy, involving exposure, can trigger shame responses in survivors.
Findings:
- Effective treatment of sexual abuse and exploitation requires understanding the multifaceted nature of shame.
- Therapists must be adept at recognizing shame in its various manifestations.
Implications:
- Failure to recognize shame can lead to overlooking critical treatment issues for survivors.
- Enhanced therapist training in shame recognition is vital for effective trauma-informed care.