An Exploratory Qualitative Research Study on Resilience and Healing for Asian, Pacific Islander & South Asian Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

This exploratory study explores the the lived experiences of healing and resilience for Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian adult survivors of child sexual abuse in hopes of better informing services supporting survivors. This research project used qualitative methods interviewing 6 interviewees who identify as Asian, Pacific Islander, and/or South Asian, identify as an adult survivor of child sexual abuse, and is 21 years old or older. Each interview was audio recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes. The results of this research includes four global themes: the interconnection of survivorship as resilience; the conflicting role of the importance of family as both resilience and a barrier to healing; humanity for the abuser; and societal oppression impacts the survivor’s access to healing and connection. Implications for providers and recommendations for future research are discussed.