scholarly journals I am a Survivor: Experiences, Impacts and Coping Mechanisms of Filipino Victims of Sexual Violence

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-65
Author(s):  
Karen Anne Quing

Sexual violence is a catastrophic phenomenon that most women encounter worldwide. However, the stigma surrounding the victims of sexual violence often leads to a culture of silence, causing the number of such cases to be underreported, leading to limited sexual violence-related studies. With this, the goal of this study is to contribute additional information on the experiences of Filipino victims with sexual violence, its impacts, and their coping mechanisms. Ten Filipino women, who were victims of sexual violence, were interviewed in this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the gathered data. Themes on their experiences, the effects of sexual violence, and their coping mechanisms were formulated and presented in this study. The study showed that the most common type of sexual violence experienced by the participants was rape. They also reported feelings of fear during and after the abuse. Feelings of shame and guilt were also experienced, which kept them silent about their negative experiences. Experiencing sexual violence can have negative impacts on an individual's total well–being. To cope with these adverse experiences, they sought support from their families and friends. Some confronted their problems and even employed positive reappraisal, while some used avoidance coping.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R Fuller ◽  
Andrea Huseth-Zosel

Abstract Background and Objectives In addition to increased physical health risks, older adults may also experience risks to their mental health and social well-being due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Yet, older adults may be uniquely able to cope given their life experiences and coping mechanisms. This study explores older adults’ coping experiences and strategies during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Design and Methods A Midwestern sample of 76 older adults aged 70–97 years completed a phone interview about their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. Interviews were conducted during the early weeks of regional social distancing (March 28–April 20, 2020). Participants rated their level of perceived coping and responded to open-ended questions about their daily life and coping. Results Mean perceived coping level (on a scale from 1 to 10) was 7.9, with 87% of participants rating their coping positively. Primary themes that emerged included (a) staying busy, (b) seeking social support, and (c) having a positive mindset. These emotion-focused coping strategies appeared adaptive in the early weeks of the pandemic for most older adults. Discussion and Implications Contrary to predominant messaging about the vulnerability of older adults, these findings highlight the resilient nature of older adults in terms of their psychological coping and adaptability during COVID-19. Future research should build upon these findings to better understand and promote late-life coping during crises. Practitioners should seek to support older adults’ engagement in such proactive coping, and social policies should be developed to acknowledge the variable needs of older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arna Bhattacharya ◽  
DR Jigyansa Ipsita Pattnaik ◽  
DR Suhas Chandran

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the lifestyle of adolescents. Adolescence is a development stage of high vulnerability that can impact well-being later in life. Mental health plays an important role in one’s quality of life. Understanding coping mechanisms helps make a person safe and resilient from psychological distress. The present study aims to evaluate the mental well-being and coping strategies used by adolescents in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a school in Bangalore, India via an online survey, circulated via the class teacher. Participants included 222 adolescents with ages ranging from 13 to 19. The DASS-21 and Brief COPE scales were used to assess mental well-being and coping mechanisms respectively. The questionnaire concluded with validated general lifestyle related questions. This included inquiring relationships between students and their families, friends, academic performance, social media consumption etc. The data was collected over a period of one month.  Results: In the DASS-21 scoring, 31.9% (n=69), 24.8% (n=55) and 5.4% (n=12) received scores indicating extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Females were statistically found to be more depressed and anxious than males. Behavioural disengagement and self blame were commonly used coping mechanisms by those who were found to be psychologically distressed.  Conclusions: Psychological distress has been observed in adolescents in varying degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic. This should be addressed in order to prevent further distress. Keywords: adolescents, covid-19, mental well being, DASS-21, Brief COPE, depression, anxiety, stress


2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052090313
Author(s):  
Jenniffer K. Miranda ◽  
Catalina León ◽  
Marcelo A. Crockett

The literature has shown that including children’s perspectives in intimate partner violence (IPV) field research will improve our understanding of this violence and its impact on the well-being of victims. Furthermore, the literature suggests that children are not passive witnesses. Rather, they use a variety of strategies to cope with IPV. The aim of this research is to understand the experiences and coping strategies of children who have lived through IPV between their parents/caregivers. The participants of this study were nine children between the ages of 8 and 12 years (five girls and four boys). These participants were recruited from a specialized program in Chile focused on the maltreatment of children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a thematic narrative analysis was used to identify recurring themes from the interviews. The results showed that children used a variety of coping strategies when an episode of violence was occurring. The aim of these coping strategies included the following: (a) emotional and behavioral self-regulation, (b) seeking social support, (c) avoiding emotional reactions related to IPV episodes, (d) escaping violent episodes, and (e) intervening to stop the IPV and protect their mothers. Along with these coping mechanisms, the results reveal that children often not only have to confront IPV when it is present in their families but are also potentially subjected to other types of victimization. The findings of this study highlight that children are active subjects with agency in response to episodes of IPV and respond through a range of actions and coping mechanisms. The researchers emphasize the relevance of integrating and validating the voices of children in research, given that children are direct victims of IPV and a high-risk group for other types of child victimization.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250104
Author(s):  
Dani Zoorob ◽  
Shivam Shah ◽  
Danielle La Saevig ◽  
Courtney Murphy ◽  
Shaza Aouthmany ◽  
...  

Background Acute augmentation of stress and disruption of training, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, may impact resident wellbeing. Objectives We investigated how residents in various specialties in the United States were impacted by COVID-19 on mental wellbeing and resilience levels, and the methodology for coping with the stress incurred. Methods In April 2020, the authors electronically surveyed 200 residency programs of all specialties nationally. The survey utilized two validated questionnaires to assess wellbeing and resilience, while investigating demographics and coping mechanisms. The authors used student t-test and ANOVA to quantitatively analyze the data. Results The sample consisted of 1115 respondents (with an 18% response rate). Male gender & Age >39 years were associated with more favorable average well-being indices (both p<0.01). Regarding resources, institutional support (IS) appeared favorable for resident well-being (IS 2.74, SD1.96 vs NoIS 3.71, SD2.29, p<0.01) & resilience (IS 3.72, SD0.70 vs NoIS 3.53, SD0.73, p = 0.05). The effects of mindfulness practices (MP) were not statistically significant for improvement of wellness (MP 2.87, SD 1.99 vs No MP 2.76, SD 2.15, p = 0.85) or resilience (MP 3.71, SD 0.70 vs No MP 3.72, SD 0.68, p = 0.87). Conclusions Findings highlight the critical importance of resident mental status in cases of augmented stress situations. Institutional support may contribute to promotion of resident wellbeing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-57
Author(s):  
Muhaimin Karim ◽  
Rajesh Singh ◽  
Gunilla Widén

This exploratory study seeks to understand information experiences, emotional reactions, and coping mechanisms of young adults concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Studying two different populations, the Finnish sample included 49 young adults, while the US sample included 154. A qualitative content analysis approach was utilized in analyzing research findings. Respondents experienced a variety of emotions including negative, positive, and neutral emotions while searching for information about the COVID-19 crisis. Respondents utilized limited information consumption, selective information consumption, and information avoidance as their primary coping mechanisms to manage information overload, anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional well-being. Overall, the findings highlighted similarities in young people’s emotional reactions and coping mechanisms in managing the pandemic-related information in both countries. The study also revealed considerable differences in their perceptions about the role of media and politics in shaping how people consume and evaluate information.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Eka - Srimulyani ◽  
Miftahul Jannah ◽  
Ida Fitria ◽  
Fatmawati Fatmawati ◽  
Rawdhah Binti Yasa ◽  
...  

Sexual harassment has many negative impacts on the victims, both physically and psychologically. Women as victims of sexual harassment feel difficulties when they interact in social environment. The psychological impact on the victim will result in prolonged trauma and depression which can then lead to unhealthy attitudes such as insecurity, excessive fear, and disturbed mental conditions. For this reason, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of resiliency training to improve family well-being among women victims of sexual violence in Aceh. The number of participants recruited were 7 women who have experienced sexual violence in PSAA Aceh. The research design used a one group pretest-posttest design and the data were collected using family well-being scale. The results of data analysis indicated that the provision of resiliency training did not have a significant contribution on increasing family well-being. This could be explained because the incidents of sexual violence experienced by the subjects have happened several years ago, so they have adapted to their families to the presence of children born from the sexual violence.


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