Adult Males Healing From Childhood Sexual Abuse Through Peer Support Group Participation

This study examines the effects of participation in a facilitator-led peer support group on the general well-being of adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. A quasi-experimental, single-group pretest-posttest research design was applied. A small group of African-American males participated in a facilitator-led peer support group, completing a baseline survey before commencement and upon completion of the eight-week sessions. The General Well-Being Scale was employed to measure outcomes. A paired t-test was conducted to examine the two sample means and determine the presence or absence of a statistically significant difference between the pair. Findings did not reveal significant improvements in participant's general well-being. This research can be used to inform screening and coordination strategies when designing support groups. The provision of peer services has been recognized as a tenet of the mental health recovery movement and continued efforts should be made to increase the profile of peer support services through policy development, within existing social service organizations.