GROUPWORK WITH MOTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED IN CHILDHOOD

A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions designed for mothers who experienced child sexual abuse

BACKGROUND

Past experiences of child sexual abuse (CSA) have been shown to have a pernicious effect on the parenting behaviors of mothers. As a result, interventions have been developed to address these effects. However, a systematic synthesis of the effectiveness of such interventions has not been conducted.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of existing literature on interventions that have been developed and evaluated for mothers who experienced CSA.

METHODS

Studies were located through a sensitive search strategy in nine academic databases and search engines, and through handsearching reference lists of included studies and their subsequent citations. Two authors independently completed screening, full text review, data extraction, and quality appraisal.

RESULTS

Searches revealed a paucity of literature, with four intervention studies located. All four interventions consisted of therapy, with three of these interventions using a group-based format. One of the included intervention studies used reiki as an adjunct to therapy. Decreases in negative mental health symptoms were reported through both validated measures and interviews. No validated measures to assess parenting were used in any intervention, though some qualitative results indicated changes in parenting. Qualitative results also suggested that most mothers were satisfied with the interventions. Studies were of limited quality - none used a randomized trial design, and only one a control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the limitations of the identified intervention studies for mothers who experienced CSA, there is a clear need to develop evidence-based interventions for this population given the unique detrimental effects of CSA on parenting. Avenues for future intervention development are discussed.

A mixed methods investigation of the association between child sexual abuse and subsequent maternal parenting

BACKGROUND

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with a number of pernicious outcomes, including adverse parenting outcomes among mothers who experienced CSA (M_CSA). Despite the large literature on these outcomes, gaps and uncertainties in the literature exist. Specifically, while previous literature has shown that some M_CSA have their parenting negatively affected by CSA, others do not, and potential mechanisms explaining these variations, such as mental health and characteristics of the CSA experience, have not been fully explored.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate (1) how M_CSA believe their CSA experiences have affected their parenting, if at all; (2) what factors may be contributing to these perceived effects; and (3) what resources or intervention components M_CSA believe they need to cope with their experiences.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Participants were M_CSA primarily from the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

METHODS

M_CSA were recruited through partner organizations specializing in parenting, child abuse, and mental health to complete an online survey with both qualitative and quantitative components. Qualitative data were thematically synthesized and subgroup analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

M_CSA reported that their CSA experiences most affected their desire to protect their child from experiencing abuse. Additionally, breastfeeding, child-rearing practices, the mother-child relationship, and perceptions of motherhood and the child were reported to be affected.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that M_CSA have reported their CSA experiences to negatively affect several aspects of parenting, evidence-based interventions are needed. Participant concerns regarding parenting and suggestions made by participants in this study for interventions may aid in intervention development.

Parenting Among Mothers Who Experienced Child Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Child sexual abuse (CSA) represents a significant public health problem. While CSA is associated with several adverse outcomes, recent attention has been given to its effect on maternal parenting. Despite a growing literature on this topic, a comprehensive systematic review has not been conducted. Thus, this review aimed to fill this gap. Several search strategies were used, including searches in academic databases. Two reviewers completed screening, full-text review, data extraction, and quality determinations. Extracted qualitative data were synthesized for the 108 studies meeting inclusion criteria. The primary themes emerging from women's accounts of the effects of CSA on their current parenting included abuse of child, breastfeeding, child-rearing practices, coping related to parenting, mother-child relationship, perceptions of child, perceptions of motherhood, and protection of children from abuse. Given the current lack of interventions designed for these mothers, the results of this review may aid in the development of evidence-based interventions.