Perspectives on surviving childhood sexual abuse

This paper begins by examining sexual victimization and professional 'thinking sets' in relation to abuse. It goes on to offer an exploration of the literature in the area of childhood sexual abuse and its survival, and attempts to marshal some of this literature into naturally occurring conceptual groups with connecting theoretical threads. A summary of the theoretical paradigms which seem to produce dominant perspectives on the area is made, A cautionary discussion is introduced regarding the deterministic nature of the influence of these perceptual viewpoints upon research and therapeutic activity. Implications for nursing practice and education are drawn.