Date of Conferral

11-12-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Dr. Juliana Forrest-Lytle

Abstract

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), traumatic sexual violence within trusted relationships, continues to impact children in the United States and often leads to insecure attachments in adulthood. There was a gap in the literature concerning the experiences of adult survivors of CSA within marginalized communities, where such experiences are frequently ignored. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore how adult survivors of CSA from marginalized populations develop attachments. Bowlby argued that maintaining mental health in adulthood depends on forming healthy and secure relationships during childhood. Bowlby’s attachment theory served as the framework to understand how early attachment experiences influenced development. The study aimed to understand how adult survivors of CSA from marginalized groups experienced barriers to establishing secure attachments. Twenty adults from diverse backgrounds volunteered to share their lived experiences. Criterion sampling was used. Individuals under 18 or without CSA histories were excluded. Key themes identified through descriptive qualitative coding were (a) Attachment Formation, (b) Coping Mechanisms, (c) Trust Dynamics, (d) Relationship Satisfaction, (e) Internal and External Influencing Factors, (f) Emotional and Psychological Responses, (g) Trauma and Abuse Impact, (h) Interaction and Behavioral Patterns, (i) Social and Family Dynamics, and (j) Self and Personal Growth. These themes highlighted ways survivors navigated relationships. The findings underscored the need for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support for this population. This research can inform training and foster inclusive systems aimed at improving survivor care and promoting community healing.

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