Agressions sexuelles, traumas relationnels précoces et processus de mentalisation d'adolescentes en contexte de protection de l'enfance

Abstract

Introduction

Childhood sexual abuse, particularly intrafamilial (ICSA), has numerous negative repercussions, especially in the context of early relational traumas (ERT). These traumatic events can impair the development of psychic processes, notably mentalization. This capacity is essential for interpreting behaviors in terms of mental states (e.g., intentions, affects, thoughts), which are mental representations of oneself and others.

Objective

To explore the mental representations of adolescent girls aged 13 to 17 who have experienced ICSA in an ERT context and to better understand the underlying mentalizing processes.

Method

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted based on the narratives of four adolescent girls, derived from the Child Attachment Interview, a semi-structured interview that explores relationships with primary caregivers and mentalizing processes.

Results

The IPA reveals four main themes illustrated by cinematographic metaphors. First, through images, they express a need to protect themselves from bodily and affective intrusions that disrupt access to mentalizing processes. Second, the body plays a significant role in their relational experiences, profoundly influencing their interactions and self-perception. Third, in the absence of reliable relations and with a fragile sense of self, they often feel insufficient and invalidated, perceiving themselves as de-vitalized objects in the eyes of their aggressors. Finally, the adolescents maintain a hope for repair, seeking to rebuild themselves through the changes they experience.

Conclusion

The results provide access to the complex and unique representations of adolescent girls who have experienced ICSA in the context of ERT and help to understand the processes underlying their relational experiences.