Abstract
M.A.
Adults who have experienced sexual abuse as a child may encounter long-term effects on their functioning that could be regarded as problematic to the adult (Corby, 2006). Child sexual abuse has been a problem for many years, although it took societies exceptionally long to realise the actual implications of child sexual abuse on the adult (Spies, 2006). Long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse can be observed well into adulthood and effects such as depression and a low self-esteem have been confirmed by studies.
The female victim of childhood sexual abuse often finds herself in the role of mother within her own family. The goal of this study is to explore the self-description of the female adult victim of childhood sexual abuse in terms of her role as mother in her family.
This study seeks to explore the self-description of the female adult victim of childhood sexual abuse in terms of her role as mother in her family. The literature review gives an overview regarding the definition of childhood sexual abuse. Literature exists on the different long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse that may impact the adult victim and this has been discussed. Quantitative studies in terms of children that have been sexually abused and the long-term effects thereof indicate that childhood sexual abuse has an impact on the adult development. Minimal research has been conducted with regards to the female adult victim of childhood sexual abuse and her self-description of her role as mother in her family. The systems theory was used as a basic framework for the study. The systems theory focuses on the reciprocal interaction, interdependence, boundaries, roles and homeostasis. Assumptions from the literature review suggest that the mother cannot fulfil her role successfully because of the prevalence of negative behavioural symptoms such as fluctuating self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness and worthlessness. The counter argument included that the mother because of this experience may discover an inner power that may contribute to positive emotions from which she can successfully fulfil her role as mother (Bannister, 1998).