Behind the silence of undisclosed trauma: A social network study on support and well-being in the context of childhood sexual abuse

Disclosing childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is often an emotionally complex process, and one in three individuals remains silent about their experiences. While ample research has established the protective role of social support in relation to PTSD symptoms, its function in the context of unshared traumatic experiences, such as undisclosed CSA, remains poorly understood. This study examined (1) differences in social support and trauma-related symptoms between adults who disclosed CSA and those who did not, and (2) whether perceived social support and social network characteristics serve as protective factors against PTSD, particularly among non-disclosers. Participants were adults ( N = 327) with a history of CSA, categorized as non-disclosers (no disclosure to anyone in their inner circle, n = 96), partial-disclosers (disclosed, but still a secret for some, n = 114), and full-disclosers (disclosed, no longer considered it a secret, n = 117). Participants completed a survey on PTSD symptoms, perceived support, and social network characteristics. The results of the MANOVAs indicate that non-disclosers reported more severe PTSD symptoms, lower perceived support, and smaller social networks than partial- and full-disclosers (all p-values < 0.01; multivariate η 2 = 0.08–0.09). Regression analyses showed that higher perceived support (β = −0.40, p < 0.001) and denser networks (β = −0.16, p = 0.010) were associated with fewer PTSD symptoms across all participants. Notably, perceived support was beneficial even among non-disclosers (β = −0.34, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of social support and cultivating strong social networks even for individuals who have not (yet) disclosed CSA. • One in three individuals who experienced CSA do not share it with others • Non-disclosers of CSA experience more trauma-related symptoms than disclosers • Non-disclosers of CSA experience lower social support than disclosers • Being embedded in a dense social network is associated with fewer PTSD symptoms • Even when CSA is undisclosed, more support is associated with fewer PTSD symptoms