Paper
Saturday, 22 July 2006
This presentation is part of : Psychological and Sociological Studies and Strategies
Stress Management for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Holistic Inquiry
Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, BScN, School of Pyschology, Walden University, Nashville, TN, USA
Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to describe the importance and effect of stress management as part of holistic care for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able consider integrating stress management techniques for all populations served with an understanding of its effectiveness in enhancing immunity and health.
Childhood sexual abuse is a destructive experience that permeates into adult life. Among the many sequelae of childhood sexual abuse is a maladaptive response to stress which has been linked to a reduction in the immune system’s ability to resist disease. The purpose of this exploratory mixed-method study was to examine the experience of stress management for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. A sample of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (n = 35) attended 4 weekly stress management training sessions that included education and opportunities to practice and integrate techniques into their lives. The intervention included meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, breath strategies, journaling, time and anger management, and more, all from a mindfulness paradigm. Data gathered for analysis included demographics, pre and post intervention saliva samples for secretory IgA (an objective measure of immune function), Ways of Coping Questionnaire (a subjective measure of coping styles during stress, and a post-intervention (intersubjective) qualitative interview. An audiotaped interview guided the participant to share their lived experience of stress and stress management. Grounded theory was used to analyze qualitative data. Three themes emerged: Hypervigilance, an outward focused hyper awareness; Somatic Detachment, a lack of inward focus on self and body processes; and Healing Pathway, a process of healing from the abuse. Treatment effect was found with a paired-samples t test for both salivary sIgA (p < .05) and four scales on the Ways of Coping Questionnaire including Distancing, (p < .001), Escape-Avoidance (p < .001), Planful Problem Solving (p < .01), and Positive Reappraisal (p < .001). Treatment protocols need to include stress management education for this population. Stress management strategies resulted in enhanced immunity, reduced use of maladaptive coping strategies, and a sense of empowerment for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse as they progress down their path of healing.

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