Understanding Men With Histories of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Kristin Beville, the director of social work at McLean Hospital, warmly welcomes the audience to the annual Priscilla Aikenhead Lecture. Priscilla Aikenhead, a psychiatric social worker, was known for her dedication to mental health education and was a founding member of the Friends of McLean. The lecture features Scott Easton, an associate professor at Boston College School of Social Work, who has an extensive background in mental health research, particularly focusing on adults who have experienced early life trauma. Easton's work has been influential in understanding the impact of sexual abuse on male survivors and he has received significant federal funding for his research. The lecture aims to discuss the hidden population of men with histories of childhood sexual abuse, addressing clinical practice, policy implications, and encouraging audience interaction.

The core of the presentation revolves around the barriers to disclosure for male survivors of sexual abuse. Easton references two studies: one capturing the voices of survivors explaining the difficulty of disclosure and another providing therapists' perspectives on why men find it challenging to disclose their trauma. The research indicates that men, on average, take much longer to disclose abuse compared to women, with a significant number taking over two decades to do so. Easton emphasizes the importance of understanding these barriers to aid in recovery and treatment. He also addresses the societal stigma and the impact of Western socialization norms on male victims, which contribute to their silence.

Easton discusses the impact of sexual abuse on men, highlighting that those who have been abused report a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders, behavioral issues, and suicide attempts compared to the general male population. He notes that while clinicians have long understood the profound and lasting effects of such abuse, empirical research is more recent in corroborating these observations. Easton's research aims to identify factors that affect long-term mental health outcomes, with a focus on disclosure as a critical issue. He also raises the question of why some survivors fare better than others and seeks to apply this knowledge to improve treatment and recovery prospects for those who are still suffering.

Easton outlines the methodology of his research, which included an anonymous online survey conducted in 2010 with nearly 500 participants from three national survivor organizations. The survey included both closed and open-ended questions, with the latter providing qualitative data on survivors' experiences and barriers to disclosure. The demographic profile of the participants revealed a majority of white men, with an average age of 50 at the time of the study. The abuse experiences varied in duration and severity, with over half reporting actual penetration and a significant number indicating the use of physical force by the abuser.

The discussion delves into the various barriers to disclosure faced by male survivors, categorized into personal, interpersonal, and societal barriers. Easton emphasizes the role of masculine norms in preventing disclosure, the lack of resources dedicated to helping male survivors, and the pervasive issue of mistrust that stems from the abuse experience. He also touches on the impact of past negative responses to disclosure attempts, the influence of the abuser's tactics, and the fear of being labeled gay due to societal norms. Easton stresses the importance of understanding these barriers to improve treatment and recovery for survivors.

Easton suggests several clinical implications based on his research findings, including the need for a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship, helping survivors recognize and label their experiences, and addressing the impact of masculine norms on recovery. He also discusses the importance of deconstructing myths related to sexual abuse and providing cognitive realizations for survivors. In terms of future research, Easton expresses his intention to conduct longitudinal studies to examine the long-term effects of sexual abuse on various aspects of survivors' lives and to test clinical interventions tailored to this specific population.

The session concludes with an interactive Q&A where audience members raise important questions and concerns. Topics discussed include prevention strategies, the impact of statutes of limitations on survivors' ability to seek justice, the particular vulnerabilities of children with developmental delays or who identify as LGBTQ+, and the need for sensitive assessment tools. Easton acknowledges the complexity of these issues and the need for further research, particularly regarding sexual orientation and its intersection with childhood sexual abuse experiences.