communication

This article presents a summary of findings on existing research into the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Focusing on interpersonal relationships, the article says the survivors experience more dysfunction with intimacy, sexual functioning, and parenting.

Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VB8-433W7DT-…

Intimacy can be one of the toughest parts of a relationship with a sexual abuse survivor. This short post from Suite101.com explains the impact fear of intimacy can have on a relationship and three ways to overcome it: honesty, communication and authenticity.

Link: http://psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/fear_of_intimacy

This article describes some skills that couples can use to make emotional connections, which are fundamental to intimate couple relationships. It looks both at how to keep communication clear and emotive, as well as how to communicate well in times of conflict.

Link: ncsu.edu/ffci/publications/2007/v12-n1-2007-spring/wiley/fa-11-wiley.php

This article is about a study the author did to find out what affects how partners perceive the effects of sexual abuse in their relationship. The Results section talks about common themes that arose from the research and how they play out in relationships. "Partners' are also referred to as 'Secondary Survivors' in the article.

The author closes with this insight:

If it is apparent that secondary survivors are unaccustomed to being asked about their experiences, it is equally apparent that they want to be heard. An additional impetus for further study of these issues was aptly worded by another secondary survivor at the conclusion of his interview, who indicated:

No one's ever asked before.

Link: findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3658/is_200304/ai_n9230599

Most therapy methods for sexual abuse survivors exclude partners; this article studied the success of brief couples therapy while the survivor was in recovery, as well as the partner's perspective on the survivor's individual therapy. The 'Results' section of the article has some really good information for partners of sexual abuse survivors.

Link: findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3658/is_199610/ai_n8752195

This article - Couples therapy for women survivors of child sexual abuse who are in addictions recovery: A comparative case study of treatment process and outcome - talks about how survivors may be more prone to addictions (the author cites 45% of female survivors experience alcohol addiction), and the role that couples/marriage therapy plays in the recovery process. They review a number of cases and come to five assertions in their conclusion:

1 - Couples therapy is of benefit, mostly with communication skills and problem solving
2 - Marital burnout, if at high levels at pretherapy, can be improved through couples therapy
3 - The benefits of couples therapy may be compromised by high stress levels in the family household
4 - Long-lasting effects may not be evident until some time after therapy has been completed
5 - A decrease in the level of depression reported by more troubled partners is not a good indicator of couple improvement

Link: findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3658/is_200101/ai_n8943277

10 Lessons to Transform Your Marriage gives a lot of good advice about how to communicate better, and how to avoid escalating into arguments. This is a very important skill to learn for both partners and survivors.

Link: www.amazon.com/Lessons-Transform-Your-Marriage-Strengthening/dp/1400050…