Western Michigan University ScholarWorks at WMU Dissertations Graduate College 8-2015 The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Analysis of Healthy `Couples’ Perceptions Brian C. Doane Western Michigan University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations Part of the Child Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, and the Social Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Doane, Brian C., "The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Analysis of Healthy `Couples’ Perceptions" (2015). Dissertations. 737. https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/737 This Dissertation-Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate College at ScholarWorks at WMU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at WMU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF HEALTHY COUPLES’ PERCEPTIONS by Brian C. Doane A dissertation submitted to the Graduate College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Western Michigan University August 2015 Doctoral Committee: Alan J. Hovestadt, Ed.D. Chair Gary H. Bischof, Ph.D. C. Dennis Simpson, Ph.D. THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF HEALTHY COUPLES’ PERCEPTIONS Brian C. Doane, Ph.D. Western Michigan University, 2015 Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a problem affecting millions of individuals, with a prevalence rate of 28% to 30% for women (Cobia, Sobansky, & Ingram, 2004) and 14% for men (Breire & Elliott, 2003). Because of the psychological trauma associated with CSA and the potential impact on the survivor’s sexuality, a couple’s relationship satisfaction may be reduced and survivors may experience difficulty in maintaining healthy intimate relationships. How CSA impacts an individual has been studied extensively, but its effect on committed couple relationships has received much less attention in the literature. Additionally, very few studies have incorporated the non- abused partner’s perspective in the relationship and no current research has been reported on healthy couples with a history of CSA. The following is a qualitative research study exploring how eight couples reporting average to above average dyadic functioning and a history of CSA with one partner, show resiliency in overriding the potential negative impacts of CSA on their relationship. The experiences of healthy couples were studied through a phenomenological approach, gathering data from both partners using dyadic interviews in a semi-structured format. The major findings in this study include the following themes: (a) the impact of childhood sexual abuse on intimate relationships; (b) developing and sustaining trust; (c) developing and sustaining communication/working through conflict; (d) developing and sustaining sexual intimacy; and (e) overcoming the impact of CSA. Discussion of the findings includes comparison to existing research on CSA and couple functioning, suggested future research, clinical implications including how psychotherapists could improve therapy with couples in which one member experienced CSA, and limitations of the study. © 2015 Brian C. Doane ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There is an old proverb that states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In this case, it took a village to complete a dissertation. There are several people who I would like to thank for their support and encouragement throughout this research. I am so proud of this work but would never have finished without them. This research could not have even begun without my committee chair, Dr. Alan Hovestadt. His insight into couple dynamics, methodologies, passion for research, and genuine interest in my professional growth provided the foundation for everything in the following pages. Beyond this research, he has been a constant mentor as I’ve grown into a counseling psychologist. He is my committee chair but will always be a dear friend and colleague. I would like to thank my committee members Drs. Gary Bischof and Dennis Simpson. Without Dr. Bischof’s words of encouragement years ago, I never would have attempted to earn a doctorate, let alone begin this line of research. He taught me couple’s therapy, supervised my first therapy with a couple, and guided me in this research with couples. Dr. Simpson has been an unwavering source of support for me. He has provided insight into the logistics of this research, often in areas that were unforeseen. I also need to thank research assistant Theresa Nutten. Theresa shares a passion for couples work and a growing interest in the effects of childhood sexual abuse. She combed over transcripts, hundreds and hundreds of codes, and spent hours with me on the ii Acknowledgements—Continued phone while we hashed out the results. Theresa worked tirelessly with only the incentive of gaining knowledge in the field. She truly cares about others and the profession. My own family has been a wonderful support system through this process. Both of my parents were eager with words of encouragement and always had an interest in the process. During the small victories along the way, it has always been heartwarming to hear my parents say things like, “I’m going to need to sew the buttons back on my shirt because my chest is just filled with so much pride.” My brother Jon and his wife Andi have also shared in providing support. Andi with her kind words and Jon with his own dissertation work providing a little competition to push me further. Jon- Although you finished first, I’m happy to report that a Doane has finally created a piece of research worth reading. And most of all, I want to thank my wife Morgan. Standing by someone’s side during this process is often in the shadows, and the effort involved, while equally as intense, can go unnoticed. She has been all things in this process, caretaker, accountability partner, editor, and my rock. Beyond those qualities, she was willing to share our story of overcoming her abuse which was and continues to be so brave. This research is about how survivors and partners make it in relationships in an effort to help others. This work is for them but it was about us. I couldn’t have done this without you. I am honored to be your husband and partner. Brian C. Doane iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................... ii LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................. ix CHAPTER I. THE PROBLEM AND ITS UNDERYLING FRAMEWORK ................ 1 Overview of the Study Topic ............................................................. 1 Background and Key Research Findings .................................. 1 Focus of the Study ............................................................................. 3 Practical Problem ...................................................................... 3 Researchable Problem............................................................... 5 The Purpose .............................................................................. 6 Research Questions ................................................................... 6 Significance of the Study .......................................................... 7 Definition of Terms ........................................................................... 8 Childhood Sexual Abuse .......................................................... 8 Couples with a History of CSA ................................................ 8 Family of Origin ....................................................................... 8 Healthy Couple ......................................................................... 9 Partner ....................................................................................... 9 Survivor .................................................................................... 9 II. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .......................................................... 10 Introduction ........................................................................................ 10 iv Table of Contents--Continued CHAPTER Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on the Individual ....................... 11 Risk of Psychopathology .......................................................... 11 Risk of Substance Abuse .......................................................... 15 Health Risks .............................................................................. 15 Work Outcomes ........................................................................ 17 Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on the Couple............................ 18 Decrease in Relationship Satisfaction....................................... 18 Relationship Stability ................................................................ 20 Problems with Trust .................................................................. 21 Problems with Sexual Intimacy ................................................ 22 Problems with Communication ................................................ 24 Impact on the Non-Abused Partner .......................................... 25 Resiliency and Mediating Factors...................................................... 27 Characteristics of Abuse and Survivors .................................... 28 Family of Origin ......................................................................