Ralston, Kevin M.2016-02-102016-02-102015http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/17446This dissertation examines how men make sense of their experiences with sexual victimization. Through 19 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with men who experienced sexual victimization since turning 18-years-old, this research provides insight into how the men experience, understand, and process their sexual victimization. The participants underwent a process of self-stigmatization, which caused them to experience psychological, emotional, and behavioral problems. In order for the participants to proceed through the recovery process, they had to actively transform into viewing themselves as a survivor. For the participants, this process meant revising their masculinity so they could embody a new identity that did not stigmatize their experience. The final aspect of the recovery process was transforming from a victim to a survivor, and a new positive identity. Throughout this dissertation, parallels between the experience for the participants is discussed in relation to current literature and the experience for women. The conclusion suggests the development of an alternate narrative of men who experience sexual victimization that does not include gender stereotypes. Limitations of the study and implications for future research are also discussed.Male sexual abuse victims.Adulthood.Stigma (Social psychology)Identity (Psychology)Thesis938007730https://doi.org/10.58088/6eqf-1538