Paghubog at pagbangon: self-concept, meaning-making and resilience of children-survivors of abuse

Abstract

This mixed-method study probed on the self-concept of children and the impact of traumatic experience of sexual abuse. The study included 9 children-participants, aged 9 to 17, from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Calamba, Laguna. The children were asked to answer the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale -2nd edition to identify the possibility that the participants may be experiencing problematic symptoms, know the overall severity of depressive symptoms, and help identify the children who may be at risk for a depressive disorder or a related disorder. The children then participated in expressive art therapy activities aimed at helping them process the effects of the abuse and aid them in meaning-making for post-traumatic growth. They were asked to do art activities -before-during-after drawing sequence, clay molding activity - for the exploration of their self-concepts, fears, source of social support, and future plans/goals, followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) with all the participants to further probe on their meaning-making of the abuse. Using the "Circles of Life" (Mga Bilog ng Buhay) framework, which integrates the four important aspects of well-being, namely: (1) Kalooban or inner self; (2) Kapwa or others; (3) Kakayahan or capacities; and (4) Kabuluhan or meaning-construction, participants were asked about their self-concept and fears after the abuse, self-descriptions, perceived strengths and capacities, source of social support, and future plans and life goals. An analysis of the recurrent themes in their expressive art session and based on their responses in the FGD, the study reveals that the 9 children-victims were found to be relatively well-adapted. They also had relatively positive disposition in life and relatively well-knitted social support systems that contributed to their coping and resilience after experiencing the effects of the abuse. They have emphasis on the role of their faith in God in their recovery and post-traumatic growth.