A conceptual model of post-traumatic growth among children and adolescents in the aftermath of sexual abuse

Abstract

While most of the research on childhood sexual abuse has rightfully focused on negative outcomes, it is worth understanding how some individuals can thrive after experiencing trauma. A conceptual model of post-traumatic growth proposes that individuals can experience positive changes post-trauma through the process of recovery. The model incorporates social, psychological, and cognitive factors to describe the process of post-traumatic growth, and studies have provided empirical evidence in support of the model among adult and child survivors of diverse types of trauma. However, we contend that the model is insufficient to describe the post-traumatic growth among child survivors of sexual abuse and therefore present a revised model of post-traumatic growth that considers attachment style, gender, and time since trauma. The implications for research and clinical interventions are discussed.