Surviving child abuse: Self‐reported coping histories of fourteen women

Data are presented about coping methods used by 14 women who survived severe physical child abuse. Half of these women were also sexually abused as children. Self‐reports revealed four belief systems among these women as to how they survived this abuse. Three women believe they coped predominantly by helping people in their milieu who were even more disadvantaged. Three describe themselves as having survived mostly by learning to forget real feelings through use of intense fantasy. Five feel they survived by becoming tough and independent and by keeping moving through jobs and relationships. Three believe they coped by being realistic and working hard. Seven case histories are provided, along with illustrative material on the other seven subjects.