Impact of childhood sexual abuse in adult intimate relationships in Limpopo province, Vhembe District

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread trauma that has a lasting effect on the mental and emotional well-being of survivors, greatly impacting their intimate relationships as adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate how intimate relationships in adulthood are affected by childhood sexual assault. A phenomenological study design was used in conjunction with a qualitative research methodology. The researcher employed convenience and snowball sampling techniques because the subject is delicate. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and to analyze the data, thematic analysis was employed. Additionally, trustworthiness metrics, including transferability and believability, were applied. Ethics were adhered to, including no harm to the participants, informed consent, and confidentiality. The sample size was 13 participants, consisting of both males and females. The findings revealed that most of the survivors struggle with trust and communication, amongst others, when they are in adult intimate relationships. While they are in those relationships, there are coping mechanisms that they use to cope, which include journaling of emotions, religious activities, and others that contribute positively to their recovery. Besides the positive ones, some apply short-term coping mechanisms that may have negative consequences; this includes isolation and alcohol use. Additionally, the study found that in rural areas, there is still stigma existing around mental health and a huge shortage of intervention centres for those who have suffered from trauma.