scholarly journals Profile Analysis of Sexual Assault Experiences among Adult Women and Their Implications for Mental Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-323
Author(s):  
Kihyun Kim ◽  
Bee Ryou ◽  
Jihyeon Choi ◽  
Jae-Won Kim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Social Relation ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Secondary Victimization ◽  
Childhood Experiences

Objective Extant studies indicate that just one characteristic of sexual assault cannot properly represent the whole experience of sexual assault and, especially, the severity of sexual assault. This study aimed to understand the totality of sexual assault experiences and elucidate subtypes of sexual assault victims based on the detailed characteristics of their sexual assault experiences and those relationships with mental health.Methods A total of 255 adult sexual violence victims who used intervention services and a comparison group were included. Information on their sexual assault experiences was gleaned from case records data.Results The following four distinctive profile groups were identified: “Sexual Touching” (19.6%), “Rape/Social Relation” (30.4%), “Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)” (18.8%), and “Rape/Stranger” (31.3%). The subgroups differed in terms of secondary victimization and adverse childhood experiences. The Rape/Social Relation and IPV subgroups most frequently experienced secondary victimization and childhood adversity. The four profile subgroups demonstrated different relationships with mental health outcomes, with a complicated pattern. The Rap/Social Relation and IPV subgroups scored higher on mental health problem screening measures compared to other groups. However, a considerable proportion of victims in the Sexual Touching subgroup also reported suicidal behaviors and self-injury.Conclusion Based on the results, theoretical and clinical implications were discussed.

Sexism, Moral Disengagement, and Dark Triad Traits on Perpetrators of Sexual Violence Against Women and Community Men

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107906322110516
Author(s):  
María Patricia Navas ◽  
Lorena Maneiro ◽  
Olalla Cutrín ◽  
José A. Gómez-Fraguela ◽  
Jorge Sobral
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Ambivalent Sexism ◽  
Dark Triad ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Sexist Attitudes

The field of criminal psychology involves delving into psychological profiles prone to accepting and justifying sexist attitudes that support sexual violence against adult women (SVAW). The aim of the current study is to analyze the mediating role of moral disengagement in the relationships between dark triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism) and ambivalent sexism in a sample of 74 male perpetrators of sexual violence against women ( M = 40.58; SD = 10.05) convicted of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault and 160 community men ( M = 43.54; SD = 10.63). Since there were no significant differences in the measured variables between individuals convicted of IPV and those convicted of sexual assault, these two groups were combined into a single group of perpetrators of sexual violence against women. A comparison of incarcerated and community men showed that perpetrators of sexual violence against women reported significantly higher levels of ambivalent sexism, moral disengagement, and psychopathy than community men. The moderated mediational model showed that the dark triad was not directly associated with ambivalent sexism, but the relationship was fully mediated by moral disengagement mechanisms. Moreover, the interdependence of the variables evaluated was moderated by group. The moral disengagement mechanisms that explain both hostile and benevolent sexism were associated with Machiavellianism and psychopathy among perpetrators of sexual violence against women, whereas among community men, these mechanisms were associated with Machiavellianism and narcissism. These findings are discussed as they pertain to the treatment of perpetrators of sexual violence against women.

scholarly journals Examining the relationships between parent experiences and youth self-reports of slapping/spanking: a population-based cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracie O. Afifi ◽  
Janique Fortier ◽  
Harriet L. MacMillan ◽  
Andrea Gonzalez ◽  
Melissa Kimber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Marital Conflict ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Mental Health Functioning ◽  
Health Functioning

Abstract Background Slapping/spanking is related to a number of poor health outcomes. Understanding what factors are related to the increased or decreased use of spanking/slapping is necessary to inform prevention. This study used a population-based sample to determine the prevalence of slapping/spanking reported by youth; the relationship between sociodemographic factors and slapping/spanking; and the extent to which parental exposures to victimization and maltreatment in childhood and current parental mental health, substance use and family circumstances, are associated with youth reports of slapping/spanking. Methods Data were from the 2014 Ontario Child Health Study, a provincially representative sample of households with children and youth aged 4–17 years. Self-reported lifetime slapping/spanking prevalence was determined using a sub-sample of youth aged 14–17 years (n = 1883). Parents/primary caregivers (i.e., person most knowledgeable (PMK) of the youth) self-reported their own childhood experiences including bullying victimization, slapping/spanking and child maltreatment, and current mental health, substance use and family circumstances including mental health functioning and emotional well-being, alcohol use, smoking, marital conflict and family functioning. Analyses were conducted in 2018. Results Living in urban compared to rural residence and family poverty were associated with decreased odds of slapping/spanking. PMK childhood experiences of physical and verbal bullying victimization, spanking, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exposure to physical intimate partner violence were associated with increased odds of youth reported slapping/spanking (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] ranged from 1.33–1.77). PMK experiences of physical abuse and exposure to emotional/verbal intimate partner violence in childhood was associated with decreased odds of youth reported slapping/spanking (AOR = 0.72 and 0.88, respectively). PMK’s higher levels of marital conflict, languishing to moderate mental health functioning and emotional well-being, and moderate or greater alcohol use were associated with increased odds of youth reported slapping/spanking (AOR ranged from 1.36–1.61). Conclusions It may be important to consider parent/primary caregiver’s childhood experiences with victimization and maltreatment along with their current parental mental health, substance use and family circumstances when developing and testing strategies to prevent slapping/spanking.

The Co-Occurrence and Unique Mental Health Effects of Political Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy A. Sousa ◽  
Kim Yacoubian ◽  
Patricia Flaherty Fischette ◽  
Muhammad M. Haj-Yahia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Political Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Violence Exposure ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Depressive Symptomology

The global mental health ramifications of political violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) are well established. There also exists a growing body of evidence about the increased risks for IPV within situations of political violence. Yet, except for a few studies, there is little literature that simultaneously examines how political violence and IPV might result in unique risks for particular types of mental health sequela. Delineating possible divergent patterns between specific mental health conditions resulting from political violence and IPV takes on an increased urgency given that, although they are related, the two most commonly reported outcomes of these two types of violence—post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression—not only require different types of treatment, but may in fact be generated or maintained by disparate paths. Using survey data from adult women in Palestine ( n = 122), this study explores the relationships between IPV and political violence (both lifetime and past-month exposure) and tests their independent relationships to PTSD and depressive symptomology. After controlling for the other form of violence exposure, political violence was correlated with PTSD and not with depressive symptomology, while IPV was correlated with depressive symptomology and not with PTSD. Findings demonstrate that distinct forms of violence exposure might indeed be associated with specific mental health outcomes. Results illustrate the need to assess for both political violence and IPV when researching and designing interventions related to violence.

The Effects of Co-Occurring Interpersonal Trauma and Gender on Opioid Use and Misuse

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626051990030
Author(s):  
Jessica Roberts Williams ◽  
Susan Girdler ◽  
Weston Williams ◽  
Martha Grace Cromeens
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Prescription Opioid ◽  
Opioid Misuse ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Relationship

The association between interpersonal trauma (IPT) and opioid misuse is well established. There are important gaps, however, in our understanding of this relationship. Studies often do not account for the co-occurrence of IPT across time (i.e., multiple experiences of the same type of IPT) and contexts (i.e., experiences of different types of IPT). In addition, few studies have examined the relationship between IPT and prescription opioid use or gender differences. To address these gaps, this study examines the impact of IPT co-occurrence and gender on prescription opioid use and opioid misuse. Data were collected through a cross-sectional online survey of 235 adults with a self-reported history of IPT (i.e., intimate partner violence, sexual assault, adverse childhood experiences). IPT co-occurrence and interactions between IPT, as continuous scales, were assessed as correlates of opioid use and misuse using multinomial regression models. IPT was associated with opioid misuse, but not use, adjusting for gender. The relationship between sexual assault and opioid misuse was confounded by exposure to other types of IPT. Intimate partner violence was associated with opioid misuse among men. Adverse childhood experiences were associated with misuse among women. The interaction between intimate partner violence and sexual assault increased odds of opioid use among women. This study highlights the importance of accounting for IPT co-occurrence and examining gender differences in clinical practice and research related to opioid use/misuse. These approaches are important for understanding the relationship between IPT and opioid use/misuse by more accurately representing the complexity of the lives of survivors.

Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Men’s Attitudes and Understandings of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626051989843
Author(s):  
Michael Salter ◽  
Kerry Robinson ◽  
Jacqueline Ullman ◽  
Nida Denson ◽  
Georgia Ovenden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
The Past ◽  
Alcohol And Drugs ◽  
History Of ◽  
Minimal Disclosure

Gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men experience significant rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA); however, there is limited research into their attitudes and understandings of IPV and SA. This article presents the findings of a 2018 survey of 895 GBQ men currently residing in Australia, focused on their views and experiences of healthy and unhealthy relationships. The survey included quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions. The findings presented in this article are primarily descriptive, with cross-tabulations and t tests to demonstrate significant differences between groups and correlational statistics to outline associations between variables. Qualitative data were coded under broad themes. The study found a considerable proportion of men (three in five) identified that they had experienced an unhealthy or abusive relationship in the past, with minimal disclosure to police or health services. Men with a history of partner abuse or violence were more likely to report binge drinking or drug use and more likely to know a friend who had abused his partner. 40% of the sample had witnessed an incident of relationship violence between GBQ men, and two-thirds intervened in the violence in some way. The findings of this study underscore the need to engage GBQ men in discussions about respectful relationships, address the role of alcohol and drugs in GBQ socialization and relationships, and provide bystander skills for men to intervene in situations of aggression or violence between men in relationships.

scholarly journals Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants differ in their psychological responses to patterns of lifetime adversity

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0258324
Author(s):  
Daniel K. Cooper ◽  
Mayra Bámaca-Colbert ◽  
Eric K. Layland ◽  
Emily G. Simpson ◽  
Benjamin L. Bayly
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Mexican Immigrants ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Puerto Ricans ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Low Exposure

Background Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants are often exposed to multiple types of adversity across their lifetime (e.g., maltreatment, household dysfunction, discrimination) and this exposure can increase the risk for adult mental health problems. Purpose The objective of this study was to (a) identify subgroups of individuals exposed to unique combinations of childhood adversity and lifetime discrimination among Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants, and (b) compare the prevalence of mental health problems across different risk profiles. Method We used existing data from the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study. Participants included Puerto Rican (N = 402) and Mexican adults (N = 1351) born outside but living in the continental U.S. Findings Through latent profile analysis, we selected a three-profile solution for Puerto Ricans: (a) Low Exposure (low on all adversity items; 58% of sample), (b) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Only (high on ACEs items, average or lower than average on discrimination items; 32%), and (c) Dual Exposure (high on all adversity items; 10%). For Mexicans, we selected a four-profile solution: (a) Low Exposure (52%), (b) ACEs Only (24%), (c) Maltreatment and Discrimination (15%), and (d) Dual Exposure (9%). For Mexicans, we found that the Dual Exposure and the Maltreatment and Discrimination profiles had the highest levels of mental health problems. For Puerto Ricans, the Dual Exposure and ACEs Only profiles had the highest levels of mental health problems, suggesting that Puerto Ricans may be more vulnerable to the effects of childhood adversities as compared to Mexican immigrants. Results from our study indicate that different patterns of adversity exposure are linked to different levels of mental health outcomes, and therefore, may require different intervention dosage. Understanding which groups of individuals are at highest and lowest risk for mental health problems is critical for developing effective, tailored interventions to prevent the negative effects of childhood adversity and discrimination for Latinxs.

scholarly journals Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants differ in their psychological responses to patterns of lifetime adversity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Cooper ◽  
Mayra Bámaca-Colbert ◽  
Eric Layland ◽  
Emily Simpson ◽  
Benjamin Bayly
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Mexican Immigrants ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Puerto Ricans ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Low Exposure

Background: Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants are often exposed to multiple types of adversity across their lifetime (e.g., maltreatment, household dysfunction, discrimination) and this exposure can increase the risk for adult mental health problems. Purpose: The objective of this study was to (a) identify subgroups of individuals exposed to unique combinations of childhood adversity and lifetime discrimination among Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants, and (b) compare the prevalence of mental health problems across different risk profiles. Method: We used existing data from the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study. Participants included Puerto Rican (N = 402) and Mexican adults (N = 1351) born outside but living in the continental U.S. Findings: Through latent profile analysis, we selected a three-profile solution for Puerto Ricans: (a) Low Exposure (low on all adversity items; 58% of sample), (b) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Only (high on ACEs items, average or lower than average on discrimination items; 32%), and (c) Dual Exposure (high on all adversity items; 10%). For Mexicans, we selected a four-profile solution: (a) Low Exposure (52%), (b) ACEs Only (24%), (c) Maltreatment and Discrimination (15%), and (d) Dual Exposure (9%). For Mexicans, we found that the Dual Exposure and the Maltreatment and Discrimination profiles had the highest levels of mental health problems. For Puerto Ricans, the Dual Exposure and ACEs Only profiles had the highest levels of mental health problems, suggesting that Puerto Ricans may be more vulnerable to the effects of childhood adversities as compared to Mexican immigrants. Results from our study indicate that different patterns of adversity exposure are linked to different levels of mental health outcomes, and therefore, may require different intervention dosage. Understanding which groups of individuals are at highest and lowest risk for mental health problems is critical for developing effective, tailored interventions to prevent the negative effects of childhood adversity and discrimination for Latinxs.

scholarly journals Configurations of Adult Attachment, Indicators of Mental Health and Adverse Childhood Experiences in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13385
Author(s):  
María Dolores Méndez-Méndez ◽  
Yolanda Fontanil ◽  
Yolanda Martín-Higarza ◽  
Natalia Fernández-Álvarez ◽  
Esteban Ezama
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Adult Attachment ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between adverse childhood experiences, attachment and adult mental health has been pointed out in a large amount of studies. In a sample of 339 women receiving support from mental health and social services, this research analyzed the association between three adult attachment variables (fear of rejection or abandonment—FRA; desire for closeness—DC; preference for independence—PI) and four mental health indicators. After dichotomizing these variables, we constructed eight configurations of attachment and examined their association with mental health indicators. BAB people (those below the median in FRA, above in DC and below in PI) obtained the most favorable scores in mental health, whereas the ABA configuration (above the median in FRA, below in DC and above in PI) was the least favorable. The association between attachment configurations and mental health indicators was different to what might be expected, aggregating the effects of individual attachment variables. When analyzing the relationship between configurations and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), women with an ABA configuration reported the highest number of ACEs and eight ACE types had a higher-than-expected contingency coefficient. In conclusion, these findings suggest that certain adult attachment configurations are associated with a greater number of ACEs and poorer mental health indicators in adult women.

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