Resilience factors associated with female survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Abstract The 22 women interviewed in this study were in a high-risk group for low self-esteem, depression, shame, and other long-term interpersonal difficulties due to their survival of childhood sexual abuse. Unlike many of their contemporaries, they have been able to have relationships, stable careers, and healthy personalities. This paper explores the variables and patterns gathered from their interviews. The resiliency themes extracted included: the ability to find emotional support outside the family; self-regard or the ability to think well of oneself; spirituality; external attribution of blame and cognitive style; and inner-directed locus of control.