Two Studies Investigating Associations Between Sexual Assault Victimization History and Bystander Appraisals of Risk

2020 ◽  
pp. 107780122094039
Author(s):  
Ana J. Bridges ◽  
Aubrey R. Dueweke ◽  
Tiffany L. Marcantonio ◽  
Lindsay S. Ham ◽  
Jacquelyn D. Wiersma-Mosley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Self Report ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cue Salience ◽  
Risk Appraisals ◽  
Victimization History

Across two studies, we examined sexual assault history and bystander appraisals of risk and the moderating roles of danger cue salience (Study 1) and alcohol intoxication (Study 2) in women. Participants (Study 1 = 148, Study 2 = 64) read vignettes ending with cues of nonconsensual sexual activity and an opportunity to intervene. Participants also completed self-report measures of vignette appraisals and history of sexual assault victimization. Across both studies, sexual assault victimization was unassociated with bystander risk appraisals. Alcohol intoxication and subtlety of nonconsent cues did not interact with sexual assault victimization history to influence appraisals of dangerousness.

scholarly journals Sexual Violence and Its Associated Psychosocial Effects in Ireland

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052097819
Author(s):  
Frédérique Vallières ◽  
Brynne Gilmore ◽  
Ann Nolan ◽  
Peggy Maguire ◽  
Kristina Bondjers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychosocial Effects ◽  
History Of

Current data on the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of sexual violence in the Republic of Ireland is lacking, with the most recent sexual abuse and violence survey dating back to 2001. The current study sought to identify what proportion of Irish adults have experienced sexual violence, if there are sex differences in exposure to different forms of sexual violence, and to what extent different forms of sexual violence are associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes. To achieve these objectives, we carried out a nationally representative sample of Irish adults ( N = 1,020) completed self-report measures of history of sexual violence and mental health. Results suggest that approximately one-in-three (34.4%) Irish adults experienced some form of sexual violence, including 14.8% who were sexually assaulted (raped) and 31.1% who were sexually harassed. Women were significantly more likely than men to have experienced all forms of sexual violence ( ps < .001), with the exception of sexual assault by a parent or guardian. All forms of sexual violence were associated with an increased likelihood of serious mental health problems, with sexual assault by a parent/guardian associated with several other psychosocial outcomes in life, including education achievement, history of being taken into state care, salary, and employment status. Sexual violence is a common experience in the general population and women are disproportionately affected (1-in-2 women versus 1-in-5 men). Additional resources to increase mental health care among survivors of sexual violence is urgently needed. How our findings compare to Ireland’s previous sexual abuse and violence survey and the implications of our findings for policy are discussed.

Responding to Disclosure of Sexual Assault: The Potential Impact of Victimization History and Rape Myth Acceptance

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626051989842
Author(s):  
Hanna M. Grandgenett ◽  
Anne L. Steel ◽  
Rebecca L. Brock ◽  
David DiLillo
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Sexual Victimization ◽  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Sexual Assault Survivors ◽  
Victimization Experience ◽  
Victimization History ◽  
Myth Acceptance

Victims of sexual assault often disclose their victimization experiences to friends and family members in the hope of gaining support. However, a number of factors may influence the manner in which these confidants respond to the disclosure (e.g., severity of the victim’s assault). The purpose of this study was to examine the role of two unique factors—the disclosure recipient’s sexual victimization history and endorsement of rape myths—in predicting responses to disclosure. Participants were 114 undergraduate students who indicated that a close friend or family member had previously disclosed a sexual victimization experience to them. The participants’ responses to that disclosure, personal sexual victimization history, and rape myth attitudes were assessed via a self-report. Results indicated that a history of victimization predicted increased emotionally supportive responses to disclosure. Lower rape myth acceptance predicted increased supportive responses (i.e., emotionally supporting the victim and aiding the victim) and decreased unsupportive responses (i.e., treating the victim differently after the abuse, distracting the victim from the abuse, and blaming the victim). These results have implications for prevention efforts and those working with sexual assault survivors.

Resilience Mediates the Relationship Between PTSD Symptoms and Disordered Eating in College Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Victimization

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052091858
Author(s):  
Ava K. Fergerson ◽  
Amy M. Brausch
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Sexual Victimization ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Disordered Eating Behavior ◽  
The Relationship

It is widely known that sexual assault disproportionately affects women, and college-aged women are particularly at risk. Sexual assault can occur at any age and may have a varying range of emotional consequences for survivors, including pathological coping mechanisms such as disordered eating behaviors. This study examined the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and disordered eating behavior in a sample of women who reported experiencing sexual assault in adulthood. The sample included 312 undergraduate women who identified as majority White (81.4%) and heterosexual (77.9%). Participants completed measures assessing history of sexual experiences, PTSD symptoms, disordered eating behavior, and resilience. Only those who reported experiences of sexual victimization since age 14+ were included in analyses. Results confirmed the hypothesis, as resilience significantly mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and disordered eating behavior in a sample of women with a history of sexual victimization. These results highlight the importance of resilience as a mitigating factor in recovery from sexual trauma. Other research indicates that resilience may have emotion-regulatory benefits that mitigate the development of disordered eating behavior. However, the specific functionality of resilience as a protective factor after sexual victimization is unclear. Further research should focus on ways to foster resilience in a clinical setting for those with a history of sexual victimization. Limitations of this study include underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities, as well as use of entirely self-report measures.

Assessing Sexual Assault and Reacting to Client Disclosures During Assessment

2021 ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Amie R. Newins ◽  
Laura C. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
History Of ◽  
Assessment Measures

In mental health settings, not all survivors of sexual assault will present due to concerns related to their sexual assault, and even among those who do, some may not disclose this history without prompting. Given the prevalence of sexual abuse and sexual assault, all clients should be screened for a history of exposure to these experiences. A wide range of self-report and interview measures are available for this purpose; a brief overview of measures available for both child and adult populations is provided. In this chapter, considerations for choosing assessment measures are discussed to help providers select appropriate measures to use in their clinical practice. In particular, this chapter provides information about how language in assessment measures may affect disclosure from clients. Finally, this chapter provides recommendations for reacting to client disclosures during an assessment.

The Effects of Sexual Victimization History, Acute Alcohol Intoxication, and Level of Consensual Sex on Responses to Sexual Assault in a Hypothetical Scenario

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 938-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele R. Parkhill ◽  
Jeanette Norris ◽  
Amanda K. Gilmore ◽  
Danielle M. Hessler ◽  
William H. George ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Victimization ◽  
Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Acute Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Alcohol Control ◽  
Situational Characteristics ◽  
Hypothetical Scenario ◽  
Consensual Sex ◽  
Victimization History

Assertive resistance to sexual assault can decrease the likelihood of completed rape and its subsequent aftermath; however, this relationship may be influenced by situational characteristics. This study examined how 2 manipulated variables, level of consensual sex during an encounter and acute alcohol intoxication, along with sexual victimization history, affected women’s responses to a hypothetical sexual assault scenario. Female participants were assigned to a drink condition (alcohol/control) and to a consent history condition (low/high). Path analysis found that women who were previously victimized, consumed alcohol, and who were in the high consent condition endorsed greater immobility intentions during the assault; only level of consent predicted likelihood of assertive resistance. Resistance strategies were related to subsequent responding. Results suggest that interventions should seek to decrease negative consequences by empowering women to assertively resist unwanted sexual advances.

Effects of Alcohol Intoxication and Victimization History on Women's Sexual Assault Resistance Intentions: The Role of Secondary Cognitive Appraisals

2007 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 344-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan A. Stoner ◽  
Jeanette Norris ◽  
William H. George ◽  
Kelly Cue Davis ◽  
N. Tatiana Masters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Cognitive Appraisals ◽  
Victimization History

Trauma-Related Shame, Sexual Assault Severity, Thwarted Belongingness, and Perceived Burdensomeness Among Female Undergraduate Survivors of Sexual Assault

Crisis ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher R. DeCou ◽  
Stephanie P. Kaplan ◽  
Julie Spencer ◽  
Shannon M. Lynch
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Thwarted Belongingness ◽  
Female Undergraduate ◽  
Perceived Burdensomeness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract. Background and Aim: This study evaluated trauma-related shame as a mediator of the association between sexual assault severity and perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Method: A total of 164 female undergraduates who reported attempted or completed sexual assault completed self-report measures of sexual assault, trauma-related shame, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness. Results: Using path analysis, trauma-related shame mediated the association between sexual assault severity and perceived burdensomeness, and between sexual assault severity and thwarted belongingness. Limitations: The findings of this study are limited by the retrospective, self-report, and cross-sectional nature of these data, and do not allow for causal inference. Conclusion: Trauma-related shame warrants additional investigation as a mechanism that explains the association between sexual assault and psychosocial risk factors for suicidal ideation and behavior.

Profiles of Psychosocial and Clinical Functioning in Adolescence and Risk for Later Depression

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M Olino ◽  
Daniel Klein ◽  
John Seeley
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Predictive Utility ◽  
Regression Methods ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Depression

Background: Most studies examining predictors of onset of depression focus on variable centered regression methods that focus on effects of multiple predictors. In contrast, person-centered approaches develop profiles of factors and these profiles can be examined as predictors of onset. Here, we developed profiles of adolescent psychosocial and clinical functioning among adolescents without a history of major depression. Methods: Data come from a subsample of participants from the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project who completed self-report measures of functioning in adolescence and completed diagnostic and self-report measures at follow-up assessments up to approximately 15 years after baseline. Results: We identified four profiles of psychosocial and clinical functioning: Thriving; Average Functioning; Externalizing Vulnerability and Family Stress; and Internalizing Vulnerability at the baseline assessment of participants without a history of depression at the initial assessment in mid- adolescence. Classes differed in the likelihood of onset and course of depressive disorders, experience of later anxiety and substance use disorders, and psychosocial functioning in adulthood. Moreover, the predictive utility of these classes was maintained when controlling for multiple other established risk factors for depressive disorders. Conclusions: This work highlights the utility of examining multiple factors simultaneously to understand risk for depression.

Undergraduates’ Disclosures of Unwanted Sexual Experiences: Who, Why, and When?

2019 ◽  
pp. 107780121988518
Author(s):  
C. J. Eubanks Fleming ◽  
Emma C. Muscari
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Experiences ◽  
Unwanted Sexual Experiences ◽  
First Response ◽  
History Of ◽  
Assault Survivors

This study evaluated patterns of sexual assault disclosures as well as the response and impact of that response on assault survivors. The sample consisted of 217 undergraduates with a history of sexual assault (89.5% female, 76.5% Caucasian). Participants reported the order in which they disclosed and the nature and impact of the response they received. Results indicated that the majority of participants told close peers first and perceived the first response to be supportive. These findings are encouraging but also demonstrate the need for improving the response that an assault survivor receives.

Quality of parenting and vulnerability to depression: results from a family study

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. DUGGAN ◽  
P. SHAM ◽  
C. MINNE ◽  
A. LEE ◽  
R. MURRAY
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Family Study ◽  
Past History ◽  
Familial Risk ◽  
Self Report ◽  
History Of ◽  
Quality Of Parenting ◽  
Independent Effects ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
History Of Depression

Background. We examined a group of subjects at familial risk of depression and explored the relationship between the perceptions of parents and a history of depression. We also investigated: (a) whether any difference in perceived parenting found between those with and without a past history of depression was an artefact of the depression; and (b) whether the relationship between parenting and depression was explained by neuroticism.Method. We took a sample of first-degree relatives selected from a family study in depression and subdivided them by their history of mental illness on the SADS-L, into those: (a) without a history of mental illness (N=43); and (b) those who had fully recovered from an episode of RDC major depression (N=34). We compared the perceptions of parenting, as measured by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), in these two groups having adjusted for the effect of neuroticism and subsyndromal depressive symptoms. We also had informants report on parenting of their siblings, the latter being subdivided into those with and without a past history of depression.Results. Relatives with a past history of depression showed lower care scores for both mother and father combined compared with the never ill relatives. The presence of a history of depression was associated with a non-significant reduction in the self-report care scores compared to the siblings report. Vulnerable personality (as measured by high neuroticism) and low perceived care were both found to exert independent effects in discriminating between the scores of relatives with and without a history of depression and there was no interaction between them.Conclusion. This study confirmed that low perceived parental care was associated with a past history of depression, that it was not entirely an artefact of having been depressed, and suggested that this association was partially independent of neuroticism.

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