1931 - PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN NON-OFFENDING CAREGIVERS OF FILIPINO SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN

Session: D03S028 - Trauma and Resilience 3
AUTHORS:
Bandija Maria Margarita Ii (University of Santo Tomas ~ Manila ~ Philippines) , Delariarte Clarissa (De La Salle University ~ Manila ~ Philippines)
Abstract text:
Introduction: Child sexual abuse remains a devastating social crisis that affects numerous families globally. While non-offending caregivers play a valuable role in supporting their child's coping and recovery, there is insufficient data regarding the psychological impact of sexual abuse disclosure on these caregivers, particularly in non-Western contexts.


Purpose: This study sought to assess the psychological well-being of Filipino non-offending caregivers.


Methd: The sample consisted of 107 caregivers (ages 26 to 78) who completed the Ryff Psychological Well-Being (PWB) Scale. The majority of participants were biological mothers (72%) from poor to low socioeconomic backgrounds (93%), with a significant proportion reporting intrafamilial sexual abuse (57%).


Results: Findings revealed that most nonoffending caregivers experienced low to average psychological well
being, with nearly half (45%) reporting low levels of well-being. While gender and socioeconomic status did not show a significant impact on psychological well-being scores, intrafamilial sexual abuse was associated with notably higher rates of compromised psychological well-being.


Conclusion: These findings highlight that non-offending caregivers are at a heightened risk of experiencing diminished psychological health and functioning following their child's abuse. The implications for clinical practice underscore the need for increased awareness and the development of intervention strategies aimed at fostering resilience and improving the well-being of
non-offending caregivers.