Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
Despite similarities, shame is expressed differently among individuals. The aim of this study is to explore the lived experience of shame in two female victims of acquaintance rape. Using the tenets of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a case study approach was adopted. The findings revealed how the female victims' relationship with the known assailants influenced the experience of shame. Moreover, encountering acquaintance rape twice had implications for how shame was experienced. For instance, intense self-blame and the belief in being inherently flawed was evident. Of equal importance, in both women, anger manifested primarily as indignation. Furthermore, shame manifested primarily as feeling dirty and having elements of moral impurity. However, shame did not affect the self-identity of one of the participants; instead she displayed resistance to the notion of shame affecting her global self. Thus, the study concluded that despite similarities in some features, the manifestation of shame in the context of acquaintance rape is different from in other contexts. These findings have implications for future research and clinical practice. Ultimately, this study adds to the discourse on shame in women in the context of acquaintance rape in South Africa. Moreover, it provides a theoretical framework that enables the therapist or healthcare worker to intervene with clients in such a context.