Review article Q1
A strengths-based approach to resilience in child sexual abuse: A meta-analysis
Carla Antunes (Antunes, C.); Cláudia Camilo (Camilo, C.); Célia Ferreira (Ferreira, C.); Cristiana Cunha (Cunha, C.); Eunice Magalhães (Magalhães, E.);
Journal Title
International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice
Year (definitive publication)
N/A
Language
English
Country
United Kingdom
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Abstract
This meta-analysis aims to uncover which protective factors reveal the greatest effect sizes on resilience among CSA survivors (i.e., symptoms, well-being, and competence) based on the Resilience Portfolio Model. This perspective shifts the focus from deficit-based models to a strengths-based approach that focuses on CSA survivors' resources and assets. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 50 reports were included in the meta-analysis, involving 12,345 participants (children and adults) from different contexts (community, clinical, and forensic) and 335 effect sizes. Our findings revealed that while meaning-making strengths (e.g., spirituality) were associated with both well-being and symptoms, regulatory strengths (e.g., emotional regulation, self-control) and supportive relationships (e.g., caregiver emotional support) were associated with symptoms but not with well-being, and environmental strengths (e.g., extracurricular activities) were associated with well-being but not with symptoms. Coping was not significantly associated with symptoms or well-being. Clinical interventions based on narrative, mindfulness, and trauma-focused therapy could be particularly useful for fostering psychological health in CSA victims.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Child sexual abuse,Strengths,Resilience,Protective factors,Meta-analysis
  • Clinical Medicine - Medical and Health Sciences
  • Health Sciences - Medical and Health Sciences
  • Psychology - Social Sciences
  • Law - Social Sciences
  • Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences