Experience of Trauma Recovery: A Qualitative Study of Participants in the Women Recovering From Abuse Program (WRAP)

• NCJ Number: 219685
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 55-77
• Author(s): Alyson Parker; Anne Fourt; Judith I. Langmuir; E. Jane Dalton; Catherine C. Classen
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined how women with a history being maltreated as children experienced the Women Recovering From Abuse Program (WRAP), an intensive group treatment program.

Abstract

Three themes emerged from what women experienced in the course of their participation in WRAP: "breaking trauma-based patterns," "doing therapy," and "understanding the healing journey as a continuous process." Breaking trauma-based patterns involved changes in women's beliefs, changes in their behavior patterns, changes in connectedness with others, and opening up to new experiences. The theme of doing therapy pertained to participants' thoughts on what it was like to be involved in WRAP. This consisted of figuring out how the therapy works, feelings about the group process, helpful coping strategies and techniques, and what benefits WRAP gave them. The third theme, understanding the healing journey as a continuous process, reflected the women's experience of the healing journey as an ongoing experience. This theme involved readiness for change, continuing problems, and taking the next steps. The 57 women selected for the study met the eligibility requirements of having self-reported a history of child maltreatment, completing WRAP at least 6 months prior to participation in the study, and not having been through the program more than once. Semistructured interviews were conducted with the women, using an Interview Guide developed by two WRAP clinicians and a researcher associated with WRAP. 3 tables and 40 references