@article{ref1,
title=""How many times did I not want to live a life because of him": the complex connections between child sexual abuse, disclosure, and self-injurious thoughts and  behaviors",
journal="Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation",
year="2021",
author="Simpson, Megan and Lateef, Rusan and Sivagurunathan, Marudan and McElvaney, Rosaleen and Alaggia, Ramona and De La Sablonnière-Griffin, Mireille and Collin-Vézina, Delphine",
volume="8",
number="1",
pages="e1-e1",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses have confirmed an association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and non-suicidal and suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB),  yet the mechanisms linking these factors are, to date, poorly understood. The goal  of the current study is to explore one potential influencing factor acting in the  association between CSA and SITB, which is the disclosure experience. Disclosure has  been identified as a prominent factor in the healing process of survivors, with a  lack of support following disclosures heightening negative outcomes. Exploring the  impact of CSA disclosure on SITB is necessary to build effective prevention and  intervention strategies. <br><br>METHODS: This qualitative study is part of a larger  initiative spanning diverse research sites in Canada and in Ireland and aiming to  lend voice to young people who were sexually abused in childhood/adolescence. Participants were recruited from community-based sexual abuse/assault agencies,  hospital-based specialized clinics and child advocacy centres. The Long Interview  Method, based on a branch of phenomenology, was used to guide research design and  data collection. The current thematic analysis, informed by a stress-diathesis  model, is based on a sample comprised of 21 ethnically diverse youth aged 15 to 25  who self-reported a sexual abuse experience in their childhood or teenage years and  who, as part of the interview on their disclosure processes, revealed past or  current SITB. <br><br>RESULTS: The thematic analysis led to the identification of four main  themes that both confirmed past research and conceptual models on SITB, and provided  new insights. Participants perceived a clear link between their CSA experience and  SITB and other mental health issues. They offered their views on the meanings of  SITB for CSA victims: to cope with abuse; to end the abuse; to express self-hatred  and loneliness; and to let people know about their suffering. They described how  negative disclosure experiences led to more nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Yet,  participants also revealed that receiving support for their SITB created  opportunities for CSA disclosure and support. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study showed complex  connections between CSA experiences, disclosure and nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Understanding the reciprocal influences between SITB, CSA disclosure and  help-seeking could better equip mental health professionals and caregivers to  provide support and foster healing and recovery in CSA victims.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2051-6673",
doi="10.1186/s40479-020-00142-6",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40479-020-00142-6"
}