INVESTIGATING SELF-ESTEEM AMONG SEXUALLY ABUSED WOMEN

Abstract

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.