Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Donovan, Patricia Diane
URN	etd-04132009-221855
Title	The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Coping Strategies and Relationship Satisfaction
Degree	Doctor of Philosophy
Department	Family and Child Sciences, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Thomas A. Cornille Committee Chair Ann Mullis Committee Member Marsha Rehm Committee Member Nicholas Mazza Outside Committee Member
Keywords	Sexual Abuse Coping Strategies Relationship Satisfaction
Date of Defense	2009-03-23
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract There has been extensive research in the area of childhood sexual abuse in the last several decades. However, the focus has been on symptomology of survivors and the problems they face in adult life. The purpose of this study was to examine the coping strategies childhood sexual abuse survivors use in their daily lives as well as the satisfaction they feel in their current romantic relationship. This study utilized data from Parenting Among Women Sexually Abused in Childhood, 1998, available from the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect. 265 women answered questions related to current relationship satisfaction as well as strategies they employ to deal with stressful situations. It was found that when women with sexual abuse histories were compared to those women with no sexual abuse history, the women with a sexual abuse history were more likely to use problem avoidance and social withdrawal strategies. No other coping strategies were significantly different. It was also found that there was no relationship between sexual abuse history and current relationship satisfaction. This study discusses implications for these findings for the general public, fellow researchers, and clinicians.
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