The Trauma Myth: The Truth About the Sexual Abuse of Children--and Its AftermathFew would argue that the experience of sexual abuse is deeply traumatic for a child. But in this explosive new book, psychologist Susan Clancy reports on years of research and contends that it is not the abuse itself that causes trauma—but rather the narrative that is later imposed on the abuse experience. Clancy demonstrates that the most common feeling victims report is not fear or panic, but confusion. Because children don't understand sexual encounters in the same ways that adults do, they normally accommodate their perpetrators— something they feel intensely ashamed about as adults. The professional assumptions about the nature of childhood trauma can harm victims by reinforcing these feelings. Survivors are thus victimized not only by their abusers but also by the industry dedicated to helping them. Path-breaking and controversial, The Trauma Myth empowers survivors to tell their own stories, and radically reshapes our understanding of abuse and its aftermath. |
What people are saying - Write a review
The Trauma Myth: The Truth About the Sexual Abuse of Children--and its Aftermath
User Review - Not Available - Book VerdictIn what will likely be a controversial book, Clancy (psychology associate, Harvard Univ.; Abducted) argues against the commonly accepted trauma model-that sexual abuse victims feel trauma or fear at ... Read full review
User Review - Flag as inappropriate
Excellent book that brings one the greatest myths of our time to light. While already refuted as a scientific theory, the idea that CSA is harmful in itself is widely popular among people in general. Clancy does a excellent job in spreading this knowledge outside of pure academics and this book should be read by everyone.
Highly recommended.
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Abuse and Neglect abuse experiences actually adult adultcentric aftermath American asked Barry Glassner Basic Books behavior believe betrayal blame Child Abuse Child Sexual Abuse child victims Childhood Sexual Abuse clinical cognitive Courage to Heal crimes damages victims David Finkelhor emotional Erin event explained fault fear felt feminists Finkelhor Freud guilt happened harm Harvard health professionals help victims Incest interview Journal Judith Herman Karl Abraham kids loved memory mental health negative participated percent perpetrator perspective posttraumatic stress disorder Press problems profes Psychiatry psychological damage psychological trauma PTSD R. J. McNally rape Science sense sexual abuse field sexual abuse victims sexual experiences shame Sigmund Freud social someone symptoms talk tell thing tion tive Today told trau trauma conceptualization trauma model trauma myth traumatic experience Traumatic Stress treatment truth about sexual ual abuse understand victims feel victims reported violence wrong York