Antecedents of Non-Disclosing Among Adult Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse

• Author / Creator

  Palfy,Kelli N

• Although significant research examining childhood sexual assault already exists, the overwhelming majority has focused on females, guided by the male perpetrator–female victim paradigm. This focus on women and girls has led people to believe that the sexual abuse of young males is rare. This is not the case, however, since the majority of male sexual abuse survivors do not report their abuse, but suffer in silence, and consequently remain untreated. Currently, there are few studies exploring why males seldom report their abuse and why they take so long to disclose. Research that specifically examines the antecedents to non-reporting among males is needed. This research provides insight into the emotional, cognitive, physical and socio-cultural barriers men face, and their decision-making processes when considering whether or not to disclose their sexual abuse. Basic interpretive inquiry was used to examine the cognitive and psycho-social barriers that male victims face when considering disclosing. The questions that formulated the basis of the study are: 1) How do boys, and later men, who experienced childhood sexual abuse, perceive that others may have reacted and responded if they had disclosed their abuse? 2) How do these perceptions or beliefs make them react and respond?; 3) What are the decision-making processes they engage in when considering whether or not to disclose their abuse to a care provider, person in a position of authority or supportive friend?; 4) What were the environmental, cognitive and emotional contexts associated with this decision-making process? The knowledge gained from these questions will assist professionals to better meet the needs of male survivors of sexual abuse.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Abuse
  • Disclosure
  • Non-disclosure
  • Male
  • Sexual
  • Antecedents

• Graduation date

  Fall 2016

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Doctor of Philosophy

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3474705B

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.