Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2017

Thesis Director

Angela S. Jacobs

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse seems to be a hidden secret in American society; one of the famous, "If we don't talk about it, it won't happen" narratives. However, we know this is not true. Both the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (2012) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2005) state one in four girls and one in six boys will fall victim to sexual abuse before they celebrate their 18th birthday. There is a high probability that because of the alarming lack of disclosure of male survivors, these statistics could be incorrect and could hinder creating or allowing for conversations regarding childhood sexual abuse (CSA). For this study, I use autoethnography to provide narrative about my experiences as a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Focusing on narrative as a way of knowing, I analyze the narrative through a mini-thematic analysis, using Owen's (1984) definition of a theme. Through this analysis, I find four major themes: moments, hearing/listening to God, using conversations as tools, and concern for others. I examine literature on masculinity, disclosure, narrative, resilience, faith and social support. I then provide narratives form my own experiences with childhood sexual abuse, and seek out how disclosure and faith play a role in resiliency.

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