Childhood Sexual Abuse and Female Spiritual Development

Religiously involved lay women (N = 266), 31% of whom had been sexually abused in childhood, filled out the revised Spiritual Experience Index (SEI‐R). Results showed higher SEI‐R scores for the sexually abused group, with a more accepting attitude compared with those with a striving attitude. A subscale of the SEI‐R revealed that the sexually abused may turn to their faith and spirituality for support. Those with the highest educational achievements, Catholics, and those who experienced emotional abuse scored high on the Spiritual Openness subscale. Implications for spiritual development and counseling are discussed.