Men's experiences of disclosing child sexual abuse in therapy: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Men exposed to child sexual abuse (CSA) have recently received increased research attention. Most studies have emphasised barriers to disclosure, given that non-disclosure is common in men and contributes to isolation, confusion and distress following CSA. However, beyond identifying barriers, little is known about men's experiences of disclosure itself, particularly in healthcare contexts.

Interviews were conducted with 14 men throughout Australia who had experienced CSA and engaged in therapy (i.e., psychology, psychiatry, counselling). Interviews explored pathways to, and experiences of, disclosing CSA to therapists and were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Three themes were developed. In Searching for intrapersonal meaning, disclosures were largely self-motivated and linked to men's recognition of CSA, breaking patterns of avoidance and desires to live authentically. Echoes of disclosure described resounding impacts of CSA disclosures, which shaped men's understandings of CSA and subsequent disclosures. Echoes of trauma explored ways trauma itself interacted with men's therapeutic disclosures, shaping provider preferences and embodied trauma reminders during disclosures.

Findings suggest CSA disclosures in therapy are situated within men's long-term searches for meaning, truth-telling and authenticity-extending beyond problem-solving or symptom reduction. These insights advance early evidence regarding men's experiences following CSA and may impact how clinicians approach, invite and respond to disclosures. Findings offer clinicians valuable insights into men's lived experiences of disclosing CSA in therapy. Therapists may play roles in supporting men to recognise, accept and process CSA, but also risk reinforcing stigma and silence. Therapists demonstrating attunement and care supported safe, meaningful disclosures.