Abstract
M.A.
This study originated from the researcher's interest in the affect of childhood emotional abuse
on the adult. From practice experience there seemed to be a relationship between adult
clients' current dysfunctional behavioural patterns and relationships and their experience of
emotional abuse as a child.
This research investigation aimed at detecting and exploring childhood experiences of
emotional abuse in adult respondents. The various aspects of the adults' life that were
affected by the experiences of childhood emotional abuse were explored and a theoretically
discussion of this phenomenon was presented as an explanation for adult dysfunction.
A qualitative research methodology was utilised to explore the diverse recollections of
childhood experiences and their current functioning among the respondents. This choice of
methodology was applied due to the exploratory aim of the study and its objectives: i.e. to
capture the lived experiences of the respondents. The researcher utilized an entire adult
caseload consulted during the period of March 2000 to July 2001, as respondents for the
study.
Data was collected by means of in-depth, face-to-face interviews conducted with
respondents. An interview schedule was used for this purpose. A second data-collection
method was used. This was done by the interpretation of visual representations obtained
during interviews.
Data analysis was done according to coding schedules that were generated by the utilization
of a computer programme for the analysis of qualitative research data. From this process of
data coding central categories and sub-categories were identified. These categories and subcategories
were discussed as the themes and sub-themes from the study. These themes were
presented as the results ofthe study.