Beyond Survival: Psychological Distress, Trauma Recovery, And Reintegration among Survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC)

Abstract

This study examined the social and psychological dimensions of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) survivors and used the findings to develop a trauma-informed intervention model that included protection, recovery and reintegration. Specifically, the study analyzed the demographic profile, psychological distress, sense of coherence, strengths and difficulties and post-traumatic stress symptoms of 100 OSAEC survivors from CSWD run shelters in Iligan City. Standardized assessment tools were used to measure the levels of depressive symptoms, coping, behavior and trauma-related stress. The key findings of the study showed that majority of the survivors were male, ranging from 13 to 15 years old, come from large and low-income families with poor educational attainment and high unemployment. The participants were found to have high scores in depressive thoughts, depressive moods, somatic symptoms and low energy. They also reported a moderate level of sense of coherence with high scores in comprehensibility but lower manageability, which means that they were not coping well and have difficulty in asking for help. Moreover, they showed high levels of emotional symptoms, behavioral problems, hyperactivity and difficulty with peers and demonstrated internalizing and externalizing behavior. Lastly, post-traumatic stress symptoms were highly evident in terms of avoidance and intrusion, which markedly are persistent trauma responses. Based on the results of the study, an integrative intervention framework that focused on protection, recovery and reintegration was developed. This study provides evidence to strongly support the need for a holistic, integrative and responsive intervention program for OSAEC survivors that will lead to long-term healing and optimal functioning.