Sexual Abuse Survivors’ Journey to Reintegration: A Phenomenological Study

This research study seeks to examine the lived experiences of emerging female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse as they reintegrate from a temporary facility back into their supportive families or new communities. Utilizing the Thematic Analysis research method, key themes were identified from interviews conducted with five (5) emerging female adult survivors aged 18-25. The findings revealed that there was one major theme that elucidated the experiences of these emerging female adult survivors as they transition out of the temporary shelter: Going Out of Comfort Zone. This theme identified four sub-themes such as (1) Fear of Judgment, (2) Sense of Belongingness, (3) Alienation, and (4) Seeking Independence from Family. The current study also delved into the themes that highlighted how the survivors make sense of their reintegration in the society, namely (1) Coping process (Building genuine connection and Application of learned coping tools), (2) Self-appraisal (Positive appraisal using Setting Personal boundaries and Spiritual beliefs and Negative appraisal using Traumatic stress and Awareness of intrusion) and (3) Motivational consistency (Strong resilience to challenges, Sense of Gratitude, Concept of future, and Consistency to Self-improvement). The current study highlighted the importance of internal factors --motivational consistency, self-appraisal, and coping process that help understand how the survivors negotiate their experience and drive them ahead.