POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH AMONG YOUNG ADULT WOMEN SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE

Women survivor of child abuse may experience positive changes in their lives after experiencing child abuse and show posttraumatic growth. This study aims to describe the lived experience of posttraumatic growth as experienced by the subject. This study uses qualitative method and a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from four young adult women who were survivors of emotional and physical child abuse from parents and met the study criteria. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used for data analysis to find themes related to the lived experience of posttraumatic growth of the four subjects. This study found two main themes, namely the pathway to change and the experience of change. This shows that the existence of pathway to change (self-disclosure, interaction with social support, acceptance, and a change in point of view) which is carried out by the subjects lead the subjects to experience the outcome of change in five aspects of their respective lives, namely the positive view of self, increased spirituality/religiosity, appreciation of life, finding opportunities for self-development, and positive relationships.

Keywords: Child abuse, posttraumatic growth