Surviving sexual abuse: A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of adult females who were sexually abused in childhood by their biological fathers

The researcher utilized a phenomenological research approach with a case study research methodology in order to explore the lived experiences of adult women who were sexually abused in childhood by their biological father in regards to their self-esteem and social relationships. Previous studies have found that women who were sexually abused in childhood by a relative have experienced long-term psychological and psychosocial effects which have followed them throughout adulthood. This qualitative research design examined how childhood sexual abuse by a biological father has affected the women's current self-esteem, current social relationships and current relationship with their father. Six adult volunteers were selected through convenience sampling from community bulletin boards and community newspapers. The women recruited were between the ages 30-50 and they were selected from a prescreen phone call based on study inclusion questions. The women selected had a past history of childhood abuse committed by their biological father for at least a year between the ages of 8-12 years old. The researcher explained the purpose of the study, confidentiality and all other aspects of informed consent to the participants. The women were then interviewed for a total of 60 minutes. The interview was audiotaped. The participants were interviewed on their perception of childhood sexual abuse by their birth father and their current self-esteem and social relationship.