Redefining Resilience: A Process-centered Approach for Interventions with Child Sexual Abuse Survivors

Abstract

Resilience is a term that is often used in a general and decontextualized way, both in psychology and related disciplines. This becomes a problem as it can impact the effectiveness of interventions. Researchers have long argued whether resilience should be defined as an outcome or process. This article conceptualizes resilience as a process-centered construct in relation to child sexual abuse (CSA). Findings were derived through the use of a convergent parallel mixed methods research study, from a South Africa sample, a country which has some of the highest rates of CSA globally. It explored the impact of resilience upon the psychosocial sequelae of CSA survivors. The findings indicate resilience should be viewed as a process rather than a fixed state, resulting in recommendations to approach the treatment of survivors of CSA. This opens the door for further research on this topic and for the improvement of intervention and treatment practices.