Profiles of resilient survivors of institutional abuse in Ireland

Abstract

In a group of 247 survivors of institutional abuse in Ireland, 45 cases (18%) did not meet
\nthe diagnostic criteria for common DSM IV axis I or II disorders. This resilient group was
\ncompared with a poorly adjusted group of 119 participants who met the criteria for 1-3
\nDSM IV axis I or II diagnoses, and a very poorly adjusted group of 83 participants who had
\n4 or more disorders. Compared with the very poorly adjusted group, the resilient group
\nwas older and of higher socio-economic status; had suffered less sexual and emotional
\ninstitutional abuse; experienced less traumatization and re-enactment of institutional
\nabuse; had fewer trauma symptoms and life problems; had a higher quality of life and
\nglobal level of functioning; engaged is less avoidant coping; and more resilient survivors
\nhad a secure adult attachment style.