Psychosis and sexual abuse: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a significant risk factor for developing psychosis.
• Understanding the lived experiences of CSA survivors with psychosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the first-person perspective of women who experienced CSA and subsequently developed psychosis.
• To identify common themes and experiences within this population.

Main Methods:

• Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used.
• The study involved 7 women with a history of CSA and psychosis.

Main Results:

• Six themes emerged: self-degradation (shame, guilt), body-self entrapment, feeling different, persistent depression, psychotic condemnations related to abuse, and perceived links between past abuse and current functioning.
• Participants reported extreme psychological, physical, and interpersonal difficulties.
• Psychotic experiences often involved themes of condemnation and reflected the sexual abuse experienced.

Conclusions:

• CSA survivors with psychosis face severe, ongoing difficulties.
• While psychotic experiences may echo themes of abuse, direct links to past trauma were not consistently reported by participants.
• Further research is needed to understand the complex relationship between CSA and psychosis.