International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Persistence of Shame and Guilt in the Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse: A Review of Case Studies

Child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a severe and concerning problem, with global estimates indicating that approximately 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience some form of sexual abuse during childhood (World Health Organization, 2020). This qualitative research explores the emotional aftermath of CSA, with a specific focus on the roles of shame and guilt in shaping survivors’ psychological experiences. Through a systematic review of case studies on “Guilt and shame in Child sexual abuse victims”, authors have tried to explore how shame and guilt may persist in the CSA victims, making not only their childhood, but also their adulthood, a nightmare they can’t escape. Utilizing a case study approach, this study analyzes the lived experiences of four adults who were CSA survivors. Thematic analysis revealed that shame often manifested as a deep sense of self-blame, secrecy, and social withdrawal. Guilt was also found to be closely linked to internalized responsibility for the abuse and fear of familial and societal rejection. The findings underscore the necessity of early, trauma-informed interventions that directly address shame and guilt-related issues and malfunctions. This research further advocates for creating safe spaces and therapeutic support systems that can help survivors process complex emotions and reduce the risk of long-term harm. Keywords: shame, guilt, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse(CSA), POSCO Act