An exploration into the psychotherapeutic needs of males who have been sexually abused by their biological mother in Australia : a qualitative description study

Abstract

This thesis explores the experiences of males who have sought psychotherapeutic support for sexual abuse perpetrated by their biological mother in Australia,using a qualitative description research design. The research’s findings fill a gap in the existing body of sexual abuse knowledge,specifically regarding the requirements and needs of males who have been sexually abused by their mothers. The information in this thesis establishes recommendations for practitioners—whether sexual assault support workers,mental health nurses,relationship psychologists,medical doctors or psychiatrists—to use in an environment of limited resources for providing effective and appropriate support for maternally sexually abused males accessing their services. The sexual abuse experienced by these men when they were boys was often highly traumatic and,at times,extremely violent. The maternal sexual abuse has not only adversely affected their childhood,but their lives as adults. The research shines a light on gender stereotypes and myths of mothers as only gentle and caring nurturers and protectors of their children,and of males as only perpetrators of child sexual abuse. Important research outcomes include acknowledging the sexual abuse of boys by their biological mother and the therapeutic inclusion and comprehensive integration of this type of abuse into child abuse prevention—to protect boys from maternal sexual abuse in the future.

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English
Supervisor	Catherine Hungerford (Supervisor), Brett Scholz (Supervisor) & Andrew Crowther (Supervisor)