Cognitive Scripts of Parents on the Issue of Child Sexual Abuse A Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract

The high rate of child sexual abuse in the Indian society has been a pressing concern for all. Several studies have been undertaken to understand the prevalence, forms and consequences of child sexual abuse. A need to understand the cognitive scripts that guide members of society regarding the phenomenon of child sexual abuse was felt in order to explain the high rate of CSA. This study tried to understand the cognitive scripts held by parents in general regarding the subject of child sexual abuse. Sample: A total of 131 parents participated, where neither parents nor their children were known victims of CSA, of which 84 were mothers and 47 were fathers. Procedure: Purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling techniques were used to reach willing participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Participants cognitive scripts were explored through face to face in-depth interviews as well as written responses to google form open ended questions. Analysis: Qualitative analysis using a grounded theory approach was adopted. Open, axial and selective coding led to identification of prominent and shared common scripts that emerged. Findings: Two theories emerged from the analyzed data. 1). The script theory of CSA occurrence and 2). The script theory of consequences of CSA. A number of cognitive scripts were identified that were theorized as explaining the prevalent high rate of CSA as well as explaining the consequences of CSA experienced by the victim.