Impact, Ramifications and Taking Back Control: A Qualitative Study of Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

There is increasing recognition of the occurrence and frequency of male childhood sexual abuse (MCSA). Quantitative and qualitative research has demonstrated a number of adverse outcomes associated with MCSA in terms of mental health, physical health and difficulties in behavioural, social or interrelationship functioning. The present study gives voice to male survivors of childhood sexual abuse by exploring themes around the impact of MCSA over the course of their life. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of semi-structured interviews with nine male survivors of childhood sexual abuse identified a single overarching theme of control and six related superordinate themes of: (i) responsibility, blame and shame; (ii) development of knowledge about sex and abuse; (iii) avoidance of coping with abuse; (iv) effects on relationships as adults; (v) disclosure of abuse to others; and (vi) gaining a sense of meaning of the abuse. The findings showed that being sexually abused defines and controls a person's life, and that despite the difficulties experienced by victims to move past the abuse, some experienced a degree of personal growth. The findings illustrate the way in which individuals can create meaning around their abuse experiences and take back control.