RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Livi Carey
Independent Research
2018-2019

Title: Preventing PTSD: Factors Influencing the Development of PTSD in Survivors of Childhood Sexual
Abuse

Introduction and Overview of Research:

It has been observed that some victims of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are more resilient to PTSD,
while others develop it. This study aims to identify the factors that influence resilience to the
development of PTSD in survivors of CSA. This research will culminate in the creation of a product
that details the uncontrollable and controllable factors influencing the development of PTSD.

Background and Rationale

Stigma and secrecy surrounding child sexual abuse have resulted in major misconceptions about
who it affects, what it is, and its effects. In reality, child sexual abuse is a major issue affecting many
children in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be the victims of
child sexual abuse before the age of 18 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005). As if
these numbers weren’t daunting enough, it is likely that statistics are grossly underreported to the
many instances of abuse that are not disclosed due to feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and
responsibility for the abuse (Murray, et al., 2014). Due to the extremely broad range of symptoms,
there is no specific CSA syndrome (Bulik, Prescott, and Kendler, 2001). These symptoms include
suicide, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, obsessive compulsive disorders, phobias, paranoid
ideation, substance abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, and an elevated risk for PTSD
(Roberts, R., O’Connor, T., Dunn, J., & Golding, J., 2004).

PTSD is characterized by re-experiencing symptoms, hyperarousal symptoms, and avoidance

symptoms. These may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and angry outbursts (Frequently
Asked Questions about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Despite being one of the most frequent
and well-known effects of CSA, PTSD does not develop in every survivor. Tentative research
suggests that early onset of abuse, violent abuse, and perpetration of the abuse by a parent all
increase the likelihood of the development of PTSD.

These symptoms resulting from child sexual abuse, as well as many other childhood traumas, are
most commonly treated using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT aims to “rewire” the brain
by targeting intrusive and detrimental thought patterns, and teaching the patient how to change
them to more constructive, helpful thoughts. CBT is across the board considered to be the most
effective treatment, with multiple studies confirming its efficacy (Bradbury et al). The aim of this
research is two-fold: it seeks first to find other factors that influence the development of PTSD, and
then to determine how CBT can be tailored to this knowledge to most effectively prevent PTSD.

Research Methodology:
Research Question
What factors influence resilience to PTSD in survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and how can this
knowledge be used to prevent development of PTSD?

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 Research Thesis
Various factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, affect whether a victim of CSA will develop of
PTSD. Knowledge of these factors can be applied to prevent the development of PTSD in more
survivors.

Research Design Model

This study will utilize a qualitative meta-analysis. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject and the
researcher’s limited experience and access to resources, synthesizing data from large scale
professional studies is the most effective way to gather the information needed to answer the
research question.

Data Collection
The meta-analysis will synthesize the results of four similar studies to draw new conclusions and
create new research. It is because there is no feasible way for the researcher to conduct her own
observations that meta-analysis is the most effective data collection.

Product Objectives:
The intended product of this study is a simple and informative brochure that will help non-
healthcare providers understand what their loved ones need to heal from childhood sexual abuse.
While therapy is crucial, perhaps even more important is the support a survivor receives from their
family in their daily life. The brochure will be easy to understand and offer practical advice on what
the survivor is going through and what they need from their family. The target audience is anyone
without professional knowledge of CSA treatment, particularly the parents, friends, or mentors of
survivors. This project will help the loved ones, the survivor, and their therapist to better achieve
their common goal.

Logistical Considerations:
One small consideration applicable to this project would be the small cost of having the brochure
professionally printed. Additionally, to have the brochure available in therapist offices and help
centers, it will need to be approved and possibly amended by their staff. The brochure would ideally
also be available online for easy access and sharing. This comes with the added benefit of being
able to link to other resources for more information.

Approval:

__________________________ ___________________________ _____________________

Student Signature G/T Resource Teacher Signature Mentor/Advisor Signature

References:
Branson, C. E., Mukherjee, P., & Philip, C. (n.d.). Text Message Reminders to Improve Outpatient Therapy

Attendance Among Adolescents: A Pilot Study. Psychological Services.

https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026693

Bradbury, C. L., Christensen, B. K., Lau, M. A., Ruttan, L. A., Arundine, A. L.,

& Green, R. E. (n.d.). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in the

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 Treatment of Emotional Distress After Acquired Brain Injury. American

Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2008.08.210

Bulik, C. M., Prescott, C. A., & Kendler, K. S. (2001). Features of childhood sexual abuse and the

development of psychiatric and substance use disorders. British Journal of Psychiatry.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005). Adverse childhood experiences study: Data and

statistics. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury

Prevention and Control. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/ace/prevalence.htm#table

Frequently Asked Questions about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2018,

from Brain and Behavior Research Foundation website:

https://www.bbrfoundation.org/faq/frequently-asked-questions-about-post-traumatic-stress-

disorder-ptsd

Murray, L. K., Nguyen, A., & Cohen, J. A. (2014). Child Sexual Abuse. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics

of North America, 23(2), 321–337. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2014.01.003

Roberts, R., O'Connor, T., Dunn, J., & Golding, J. (n.d.). The effects of child sexual abuse in later family life;

mental health, parenting and adjustment of offspring. Child Abuse and Neglect.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2003.07.006