Healing From Child Sexual Abuse: A Meta-Synthesis of Indian Studies

By : Sruthi N V, J. Parameswari

Page No: 83-94

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Recovering from trauma of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is challenging. Coping strategies adopted by CSA survivors vary across individuals and are influenced by multiple factors. Cultural context is one among them, it plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of abuse, and help-seeking behaviours. In order to create and deliver a culture-specific treatment, professionals must be aware of the coping strategies survivors from the same culture have used previously. This study has used Metasynthesis to examine the coping strategies used by Indian CSA survivors. Literature was gathered using PubMed, Web of Science, Psych-Info, and Google Scholar. It was found that recovery from CSA is a multidimensional process, shaped by supportive relationships, intentional-personal empowerment, and meaning-making either through therapeutic or prosocial relationships. Integrating family-inclusive, and empowerment-oriented interventions that recognise survivor’s internal strengths may foster sustained healing and reduce re-victimisation.

Authors
Sruthi N V : Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of psychology, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu.
Dr. J. Parameswari : Professor, Department of psychology, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2026.21.01.9