Universal Journal of Psychology(CEASE PUBLICATION) Vol. 6(3), pp. 104 - 112
DOI: 10.13189/ujp.2018.060305
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Redefining Resilience: A Process-centered Approach for Interventions with Child Sexual Abuse Survivors

Tanya Elizabeth Michelle Defferary ^1,*, John Gregory Howcroft ¹, Louise Anne Stroud ^2
1 Department of Psychology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
² School of Behavioural Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

ABSTRACT

Resilience is a term that is often used in a general and decontextualized way, both in psychology and related disciplines. This becomes a problem as it can impact the effectiveness of interventions. Researchers have long argued whether resilience should be defined as an outcome or process. This article conceptualizes resilience as a process-centered construct in relation to child sexual abuse (CSA). Findings were derived through the use of a convergent parallel mixed methods research study, from a South Africa sample, a country which has some of the highest rates of CSA globally. It explored the impact of resilience upon the psychosocial sequelae of CSA survivors. The findings indicate resilience should be viewed as a process rather than a fixed state, resulting in recommendations to approach the treatment of survivors of CSA. This opens the door for further research on this topic and for the improvement of intervention and treatment practices.

KEYWORDS
Child Sexual Abuse, Intervention, Mixed Methods Research, Resilience, Process-Centered Construct

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Tanya Elizabeth Michelle Defferary , John Gregory Howcroft , Louise Anne Stroud , "Redefining Resilience: A Process-centered Approach for Interventions with Child Sexual Abuse Survivors," Universal Journal of Psychology(CEASE PUBLICATION), Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 104 - 112, 2018. DOI: 10.13189/ujp.2018.060305.

(b). APA Format:
Tanya Elizabeth Michelle Defferary , John Gregory Howcroft , Louise Anne Stroud (2018). Redefining Resilience: A Process-centered Approach for Interventions with Child Sexual Abuse Survivors. Universal Journal of Psychology(CEASE PUBLICATION), 6(3), 104 - 112. DOI: 10.13189/ujp.2018.060305.