Date of Award

8-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Abstract

Current research indicates that there is a lack of empirical evidence pertaining to the long-term effects of incest and the role treatment plays on healing the effects and enhancing the survivors' lives. The purposes of this study were to further develop grounded theory in relationship to the lives of the survivors of incest and to close some of the existing gaps in the current data.

In this study, an attempt was made to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subjects' lives before, during, and after the incest occurred. In addition, the quality of the subjects' lives today, the survivors' perception of their therapeutic needs, and the extent to which they were met were examined. The survivors' quality of life was operationalized to include five main areas of focus: personal issues; relationships with a significant other or family of procreation; relationship with family of origin; ability to maintain employment; and religiosity and spirituality.

The nature of this research was exploratory. The results indicated that prior to treatment the subjects continued to be revictimized, had difficulties with their self-esteem, experienced depression, had suicidal tendencies and struggled with addictions. In addition, the subjects all struggled in their relationships with their significant other, family of procreation, family or origin, and friends. After therapy to address their incest concerns the subjects reported an improvement in their self-esteem and their ability to protect themselves, as well as in their relationships. In regards to their families of origin, the subjects reported the least improvement and much of the conflict remained. The results of this study indicated that religious and spiritual issues remained essentially the same for the subjects before and after therapy. In consideration to employment, all of the subjects reported increased satisfaction in their employment after their therapy to address incest concerns, primarily because of their improved self-esteem. However, four of the subjects stated they desired a more challenging job or wanted to be employed in the area of their education. The study provides suggestions for practice and future research.

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