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Abstract
Research has suggested that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can hinder normal cognitive, social and emotional development. Research has also suggested that CSA contributes to higher levels of pathology than other traumatic experiences. Rates of victimization are highest among African American girls; however, the specific experiences of African American women survivors of CSA is rarely examined in the literature. Over the past two decades research on the aftermath of trauma has moved away from an exclusive focus on the negative effects, to examinations on how the struggle with adverse life events can result in growth and positive change. This process is defined as posttraumatic growth (PTG). The purpose of this study was to examine how spirituality, locus of control and self-concept related to PTG among African American women survivors of CSA. The study also examined how religious well-being, existential well-being, locus of control and self-concept related to PTG. A total of 60 African American women were included in this research study. Participants completed an online survey, which included the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (which includes the Religious Well-Being and Existential Well-Being subscales), Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. The first standard multiple regression analysis indicated that spirituality, locus of control and self-concept were not related to posttraumatic growth. The second multiple regression analysis indicated that religious well-being was related to PTG. The findings of the present study suggest that religious beliefs and practices of African American women survivors of CSA do influence PTG. Results suggest that counselors who work with this population should assess how religious beliefs and practices can contribute to positive and sustainable outcomes.