The process of healing among survivors of incest: A grounded theory study

Although people often experience adverse consequences as a result of experiencing trauma, researchers in the field of posttraumatic growth suggest that survivors can grow as well as flourish personally and relationally while working through the aftermath of their trauma. The healing process among survivors of various kinds of traumatizing experiences (e.g., personal illness, accidents, natural disasters, etc.) are detailed in posttraumatic growth literature but are silent with regards to healing among survivors of incest. In this study, grounded theory methodology was used to develop a theory on how healing occurs for adult survivors of childhood incest. The following questions were answered: (1) How does the healing process occur for survivors of incest? (2) What role do family members have in the healing process among survivors of incest? Using themes that emerged from narratives about their healing journeys written online by survivors of incest (N = 20), the Continual Healing After Incest (CHAI) Model was created. Based on the CHAI Model, healing for survivors of incest occurs as an ongoing, perpetual process in which they cycle through 3 distinct stages. Members of survivors’ family of procreation accompany and even motivate them to keep moving through the healing process. Clinical and future research implications will be discussed.