Remolding child : process of nursing practice for sexually abused children

Abstract

The process of the nursing practice for sexually abused child patients is a pivotal strategy to prevent them from chronic illness.However, theory related to the nursing practice for sexually abused children was currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore how psychiatric nurses practiced nursing for school-aged sexually abused children who were admitted to psychiatric wards. A grounded theory approach was used in the study. Twelve psychiatric nurses who had experience in providing nursing care for sexually abused child patients, aged between 35-59 years old, were participants of this study. Data was collected by in-depth interview, tape- recorded, and transcribed verbatim, line by line. Data were analyzed using grounded theory method. The findings indicated that, “remolding child” was the basic social process by which psychiatric nurses provide nursing practice for sexually abused children admitted to psychiatric wards. The process of remolding child was composed of 3 stages that was happened continuously in sequence. Each stage consisted of sub-stages that had no sequences in their occurrence, and these sub-stages were simultaneous and reciprocal. In remolding child process, the first stage was started with establishing trusts, arranging effective communication, and providing physical care. The second stage was fostering socialization, building will-power, and arranging a safe and supportive environment. The final stage was assisting living in society. Working as a team and self developing were two other important characteristics of this remolding child process.This substantive theory recommends a new insight, new knowledge and understanding into the nursing practice process for sexually abused children admitted to psychiatric wards in Thailand. It can be used as a guideline to develop interventions to prevent the residual symptoms of chronic psychiatric problems occurring in later years.