Question

Xavier was sexually abused when he was a child. His wife is three months pregnant and Xavier has recently started having flashbacks about the trauma during his childhood. He does not want to be around his wife and is reconsidering whether he wants to be a father at all. What should Xavier do in this situation?

1) Seek therapy to address his trauma and discuss his concerns with his wife
2) Ignore his feelings and continue with the pregnancy
3) Leave his wife and avoid becoming a father
4) Consult a lawyer to explore his options

Answer 1

Xavier should seek therapy to address his trauma and openly discuss his concerns with his wife. This approach is supported by research on repressed memories and their impact on adult psychological health. Therapy would provide him with coping strategies and support.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of Xavier's concern revolves around his mental health and the impact of his past childhood sexual abuse on his current familial situation. Research suggests that it is common for adults to have no memory of childhood sexual abuse. A study conducted by John Briere and Jon Conte discovered that a substantial percentage of individuals had forgotten their traumatic experiences but later on, these repressed memories could lead to psychological distress.

Given Xavier's flashbacks and worry about impending fatherhood, the best course of action for him would likely be option 1: Seek therapy to address his trauma and to openly discuss his concerns with his wife. A therapist could help Xavier process his trauma and develop coping strategies, which is paramount for both his own well-being and for his ability to engage positively with his family. Ignoring his feelings, avoiding becoming a father, or seeking legal advice without addressing the underlying issues would not facilitate the healing process and could potentially aggravate his distress and affect his relationships.