Final answer:
The key to helping children adjust after experiencing sexual abuse lies in comprehensive psychological support, ensuring the accuracy of recollections, promoting healthy relationships, and creating a safe and stable environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most significant factor contributing to adjustment after sexual abuse in children is providing comprehensive psychological support and engaging in methods that allow for healing, such as the Recovered Memory Project. Research by Briere and Conte (1993) revealed that around 59% of men and women undergoing treatment for sexual abuse they underwent before 18 years of age had forgotten about these experiences, suggesting that lack of memory is a typical concern.
These forgotten memories often create psychological distress in adulthood (Cheit, 2007). Hence, to initiate the healing process and deal with the distress, the victims should be encouraged to recall these memories using safe and supportive methodologies such as the Recovered Memory Project.
However, accuracy in recalling these memories needs careful attention, as suggestions from the therapist can lead to misinformation effects (Loftus, 1993, 1995). Therefore, a therapist’s role involves creating an environment that fosters genuine recall without imposition or suggestion. In addition to psychological support, fostering a stable, safe environment, and ensuring healthy relationships can contribute to the adjustment process.
Learn more about Adjustment after sexual abuse