The Impact of Positive Family Attitudes on Recovery After Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is defined as one of the most serious traumas that profoundly affects a child's developmental, psychological, and social functioning. The literature has shown that CSA leads to multifaceted consequences not only during childhood but also in adulthood, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use, and impaired interpersonal relationships. However, recent research emphasises that family support, resulting from positive family attitudes, is a critical protective factor in mitigating these negative effects. Supportive communication, unconditional acceptance, a non-judgmental approach, support for emotional regulation, and openness to seeking professional help are among the fundamental positive family attitudes that facilitate the psychological recovery process of victimised children. This review aims to examine the effects of positive family attitudes on recovery following child sexual abuse in light of the existing literature. Findings indicate that positive family attitudes significantly contribute to rebuilding children's sense of security, strengthening self-esteem, repairing negative self-perceptions, and improving social adjustment. Furthermore, in the Turkiye context, it is essential to inform families before and after abuse, increase access to psycho-educational programmes, and collaborate with professional support mechanisms. At the institutional level, the effective use of multidisciplinary teams, the dissemination of trauma-informed approaches, and social interventions that reduce stigmatisation are considered critical elements in supporting the recovery processes of children and families. Consequently, addressing family attitudes not only individually but also within an ecological framework is a fundamental requirement for developing policies and practices aimed at recovery after child abuse.