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Title: INVESTIGATING SELF-ESTEEM AMONG SEXUALLY ABUSED WOMEN
Authors: Sheraz Ali, Muhammad Asghar Khan, Maryam Imad, Shahid Khan
Journal: Social Science Review Archives
| Category | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Y | 2024-10-01 | 2025-12-31 |
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Institute
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2024
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Language: English
Keywords: Self-esteemsocial supportSexual AbuseLow Confidence
This research study was conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that focused on investigating the association between sexual abuse and self-esteem or self-esteem among sexually abused women. This was a qualitative research study with more focus on grounded theory. The data was collected from 30 respondents in six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with more open-ended questions. All the interviews were conducted face-to-face and the respondents were identified through social network. In this study, it was founded that majority of the respondents had very low self-esteem and social prestige. Majority of them preferred isolation because of low confidence in rebuilding their past relationship with their relatives, neighbors and other town fellows. Their social re-adjustment with past prestige was almost impossible for them because of lack of social support and low confidence in regaining their past status. Their belief in themselves was very negative; developed from the mistakes they committed previously. However, this negative belief was not only developed from their past mistakes rather more from lack of social support and discriminatory behavior at familial and societal levels.
To investigate the association between sexual abuse and self-esteem among sexually abused women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Qualitative research study employing grounded theory. Data was collected from 30 sexually abused women in six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Respondents were identified through social networks. Two focus group discussions were also held.
graph TD;
A["Identify Sexually Abused Women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa"] --> B["Select 6 Districts"];
B --> C["Recruit 30 Respondents via Social Network"];
C --> D["Conduct Face-to-Face Semi-Structured Interviews"];
D --> E["Conduct Focus Group Discussions"];
E --> F["Analyze Interview and FGD Data"];
F --> G["Investigate Association between Sexual Abuse and Self-Esteem"];
Self-esteem is a fundamental right, but life events like sexual abuse significantly impact it, particularly for women where it affects gender identity. Social isolation and lack of confidence are major barriers to readjustment. Societal norms and discriminatory practices in Pakhtun society exacerbate the low self-esteem and social maladjustment of sexually abused women. Re-victimization is a significant risk factor.
The majority of respondents exhibited very low self-esteem and social prestige. They preferred isolation due to low confidence in rebuilding relationships. Social readjustment was nearly impossible due to a lack of social support and low confidence. Negative self-belief, stemming from past mistakes, lack of social support, and discriminatory behavior, was prevalent.
Low self-esteem is a common consequence of sexual abuse, strongly linked to poor relational health and lack of social adjustment in work, family, and society. Social isolation and vulnerability to perpetrators are prevalent. Lack of social support hinders readjustment, and many victims are re-victimized.
- The study was conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. (Confirmed by author affiliations and explicit mention of the region).
- Data was collected from 30 respondents. (Confirmed in the abstract and methodology section).
- The study utilized semi-structured interviews. (Confirmed in the abstract and methodology section).
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