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Gómez JM. Campus Sexual Violence, Gender, and Mental Health in Diverse Undergraduate/Graduate Students. JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, MALTREATMENT & TRAUMA 2022; 31:981-995. [PMID: 36468083 PMCID: PMC9718436 DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2022.2043972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Campus sexual violence (CSV) is linked with poor mental health and alcohol use, with cisgender women and some people of Color at increased risk for victimization. Though undergraduates' experiences of CSV are typically studied, graduate/professional students may additionally be impacted by CSV. Campus climate surveys recruit random samples of the entire student population, thus increasing generalizability. The purpose of the study is to pilot the ARC3 campus climate survey to examine CSV, mental health, and alcohol use by gender and minority status in diverse undergraduates and graduate/professional students. Random samples of undergraduates (N = 775) and graduate/professional students (N = 525) completed a 30-min online survey. Compared to graduate/professional students and men, undergraduates and women experience more CSV. CSV was associated with alcohol use in undergraduates and poorer mental health in undergraduates and graduate/professional students. Universities' prevention and intervention strategies should include undergraduate and graduate/professional students, targeting sexism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Gómez
- Department of Psychology, Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child & Family Development (MPSI), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Center for Institutional Courage, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Health and Lifestyle, Safety, Relationship and Personality Factors Influence Gender, Sex and Sexuality Issues among Youth—A Case Record Analysis from Youth Mental Health Promotion Clinics in Karnataka, India. SEXES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes2040038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoting positive identity and seeking early support for gender, sex and sexuality (GSS) issues among youth is vital. Understanding and addressing factors associated withGSS among them is critical. We assessed four-year case records (January 2017–December 2020) of all first visit youth mental health promotion clinic (YMHPC) clients (15–35 years) for factors associated with GSS issues in Karnataka. Overall, prevalence of GSS issues was 1.8% (189/10,340). Increased risk of GSS issues was observed among clients reporting suicidality (AOR = 4.27, 95% CI = 2.70–6.74) and relationship issues (AOR = 3.63, 95% CI = 2.36–5.57), followed by issues of safety (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.72–3.81), personality (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.60–3.85), health and lifestyle (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.77–4.19), smokers (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.24–4.27), and those who felt depressed (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.43–3.09) and worthless (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.28–3.39). Clients aged 21–25 years (AOR = 1.80,95% CI = 1.27–2.54), male (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.20–2.46) and who had been married (AOR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.51–3.57) had a higher risk of GSS issues than those aged 15–20 years and other counterparts, respectively. Clients who drank alcohol (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.30–0.81) had reduced risk of GSS issues. The findings re-iterate the importance of early recognition of factors (essential precursors) of GSS issues among youth. The study highlights the importance of promoting awareness and improving primordial prevention of possible GSS issues in later life. This study has important implications on youth mental health promotion programs, especially in countries like India.
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Caravaca-Sánchez F, Aizpurua E, Stephenson A. Substance Use, Family Functionality, and Mental Health among College Students in Spain. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 36:221-231. [PMID: 33463401 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2020.1869134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mental health symptoms are overrepresented among college students worldwide. The current research investigates the associations among substance use, family functionality, and mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) among college students in Spain. A total of 828 (59.2% female and 40.8% male) college students from two public universities completed a self-reported online survey that included items on demographic information, substance use (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, prescription sedatives, and recreational sedatives), mental health symptoms (using the DASS-21 questionnaire) and family functionality (using the APGAR questionnaire). College students reporting substance use (especially recreational sedatives) and family dysfunctionality were more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. These findings provide support for the underlying role of substance use and family functionality on mental health symptoms. Treatments targeting depression, anxiety, and stress among college students in Spain should aim to reduce substance use by and increase family support of students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Aizpurua
- School of Law, Trinity College Dublin. The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Stephenson
- Center for Social and Behavior Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
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Eisenberg ME, Lust K, Mathiason MA, Porta CM. Sexual Assault, Sexual Orientation, and Reporting Among College Students. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:62-82. [PMID: 29294876 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517726414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Research has demonstrated significantly higher rates of sexual assault victimization among lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer (LGBQ) students than heterosexual students, and the overwhelming majority of assaults are not reported to any official system. Given the potential for support services to provide valuable assistance and promote well-being after an assault, the present study explores whether LGBQ students report assaults at similar rates to heterosexual students. As part of the 2015 College Student Health Survey, 10,646 male and female college students at 2- and 4-year colleges in Minnesota provided data regarding sexual assault victimization; reporting to a health care provider, campus authority, police, or social contact; and sexual orientation (two items, including write-in). Chi-square tests were used to detect associations between sexual assault victimization and five sexual orientation groups; and between sexual orientation and assault reporting (for 523 assault incidents). Almost 6% of students reported that they had experienced sexual assault in the previous 12 months. Significant differences in assault experience were seen by sexual orientation groups, for both males and females. For example, rates of sexual assault were 2.5 to over 5 times higher among bisexual and queer/pansexual/other females than among heterosexual females. Reporting of sexual assault to health care providers, campus authorities or police was rare for both heterosexual and sexual minority students, and there were no significant differences in reporting across sexual orientation. LGBQ students and heterosexual students appear to be similarly comfortable accessing health care providers, police, and campus resources, suggesting that these services are not overtly biased or unwelcoming to sexual minorities. However, rates of sexual assault were considerably higher among sexual minority groups, suggesting a need for primary prevention that is appropriate and sensitive to the experiences of LGBQ students.
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Gómez JM. Gendered Sexual Violence: Betrayal Trauma, Dissociation, and PTSD in Diverse College Students. JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, MALTREATMENT & TRAUMA 2020; 30:625-640. [PMID: 35527804 PMCID: PMC9075698 DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2020.1783737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Young adults' transition into college includes risk for onset of mental health problems and sexual violence, particularly for women. Compared to men and boys, women and girls across the lifespan are more likely to be sexually abused, with the perpetrators often being someone close to them. High betrayal trauma is linked to varied mental health outcomes. Despite literature depth, many samples are not ethnically diverse, which results in uncertainty about the generalizability of these findings outside of majority White American populations. The purpose of the current study is to assess gender and high betrayal in sexual violence and mental health outcomes among ethnically diverse college students in the U.S. Participants (N = 368) were ethnically diverse college students attending a public university in the Pacific Northwest, who completed online measures assessing sexual violence and mental health outcomes. When controlling for medium betrayal sexual trauma (perpetrator: unclose other), the associations between high betrayal sexual trauma and dissociation and anxiety, respectively, were moderated by the female gender. The findings point to the utility of relational cultural therapy as a feminist framework that can identify sexism as a contributing factor to young women's increased risk for sexual violence and associated mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Gómez
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Kettrey HH, Marx RA, Tanner‐Smith EE. Effects of bystander programs on the prevention of sexual assault among adolescents and college students: A systematic review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2019; 15:e1013. [PMID: 37131477 PMCID: PMC8356505 DOI: 10.4073/csr.2019.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Hensman Kettrey
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal JusticeClemson UniversityClemsonSouth Carolina
| | - Robert A. Marx
- Department of Child and Adolescent Development, Lurie CollegeSan Jose State UniversitySan JoseCalifornia
| | - Emily E. Tanner‐Smith
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human ServicesUniversity of OregonEugeneOregon
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Eisenberg ME, Palacios L, Lust K, Porta CM. Sexual Assault Reporting and Emotional Distress Among College Female-Identified Victims/Survivors. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2019; 15:222-230. [PMID: 31764526 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study tests associations between reporting sexual victimization to a healthcare provider, campus authority, police, or social contact, and emotional well-being among college women. METHODS Data from 2,162 women who participated in the 2015 College Student Health Survey at 17 colleges in Minnesota was used. Analyses tested associations between reporting sexual assault to formal or informal resources and diagnosis with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as self-rated health. RESULTS Significantly higher rates of all four diagnoses were observed among those who reported to formal resources (e.g., healthcare provider, police) compared with those who reported to informal resources (i.e., friends, family). However, no differences were seen in self-rated physical or mental health. CONCLUSIONS Expansion of trauma-informed healthcare services and advocacy efforts is recommended to optimally support students who report sexual assault experiences.
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Porta CM, Mathiason MA, Lust K, Eisenberg ME. Sexual Violence Among College Students: An Examination of Individual and Institutional Level Factors Associated With Perpetration. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2017; 13:109-117. [PMID: 28820771 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual violence incidents involving college students have received media attention and increased awareness of this public health problem in the United States; prevention efforts are needed that target potential perpetrators. We examined characteristics of self-reported perpetrators of sexual violence on campuses. METHODS This study used a secondary data analysis of the 2015 College Student Health Survey, an annual survey, which was completed by students attending 17 colleges/universities in Minnesota. The analytic sample included 6,548 18-to 24-year-old college students who answered at least one of two questions assessing perpetration in the past 12 months (i.e., sex/sexual touch without consent). Chi-square tests were used to detect associations between perpetration and individual (e.g., age, race, substance use, victimization) and institutional (e.g., school type, location) level characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified predictive models for being a perpetrator of sexual violence. RESULTS Fifty-two students reported perpetration of sexual violence in the past year, including 29 rapes. Overall, self-reported perpetrators of sexual violence are more likely to be men, to have been a victim in his or her lifetime, to have smoked marijuana in the past 12 months (but not the past month), and to be younger (18 or 19 years old). Institutional level characteristics, including school type and location, did not yield significant associations with perpetration. DISCUSSION Sexual violence prevention and response efforts toward college students need to be inclusive, especially targeting individual level factors, and considerate of the victimization-perpetration comorbidity experienced by many students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Porta
- Author Affiliations: 1School of Nursing, University of Minnesota; 2Boynton Health, University of Minnesota; and 3Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota
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Eisenberg ME, Lust KA, Hannan PJ, Porta C. Campus Sexual Violence Resources and Emotional Health of College Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Assault. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2016; 31:274-284. [PMID: 26822585 DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-14-00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Institutional characteristics may help mitigate trauma associated with sexual assault. This study examines associations between resources on college campuses for sexual violence prevention and the emotional well-being of female students who have experienced sexual assault. There were 495 female college students who have experienced sexual assault who provided survey data in 2010-2011. Sexual violence resource data from 28 college campuses were combined with student survey data in multilevel analysis. Dependent variables include diagnosis with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and PTSD, and models adjust for covariates and clustering of students within colleges. Participants attending colleges with more sexual violence resources had lower rates of mental health conditions than those attending colleges with fewer resources. Colleges are encouraged to expand their array of sexual violence resources to create a supportive environment for victims of sexual assault and to connect affected students with appropriate services.
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McCauley HL, Breslau JA, Saito N, Miller E. Psychiatric disorders prior to dating initiation and physical dating violence before age 21: findings from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2015; 50:1357-65. [PMID: 25773524 PMCID: PMC4569529 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-015-1044-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor mental health is associated with teen dating violence (TDV), but whether there are specific types of psychiatric disorders that could be targeted with intervention to reduce TDV remains unknown. METHODS Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of psychiatric disorders that emerged prior to dating initiation with subsequent physical dating violence in a nationally representative sample from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, adjusting statistically for adverse childhood experiences. RESULTS In adjusted models, internalizing disorders (AOR 1.14, 95 % CI 1.04,1.25; no sex differences noted) and externalizing disorders (males: AOR 1.28, 95 % CI 1.10, 1.49; females: AOR 1.85, 95 % CI 1.55, 2.21) were associated with subsequent involvement in any physical dating violence victimization or perpetration before the age of 21. Those at greatest risk included girls with ADHD and a substance use disorder, in particular. CONCLUSIONS The range of psychiatric disorders associated with TDV is broader than has generally been recognized for both boys and girls. Clinical and public health prevention programs should incorporate strategies for addressing multiple pathways through which poor mental health may put adolescents at risk for TDV.
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Epstein-Ngo QM, Roche JS, Walton MA, Zimmerman MA, Chermack ST, Cunningham RM. Technology-Delivered Dating Aggression: Risk and Promotive Factors and Patterns of Associations Across Violence Types Among High-Risk Youth. VIOLENCE AND GENDER 2014; 1:131-133. [PMID: 27626036 PMCID: PMC4997710 DOI: 10.1089/vio.2014.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly, technology (text, e-mail, and social media) is being used in dating relationships to stalk, control, threaten, and harass dating partners. This study examines risk and promotive factors associated with technology-delivered dating aggression (TDA) and relations between types of violence (physical dating/nondating, community violence, and TDA). Participants (14-20 years old) self-administered a computerized survey as part of a larger study at an urban emergency department. The study includes 210 youth who reported having a dating partner in the past 2 months. About 48.1% of participants reported TDA in the past 2 months. Mindfulness was negatively associated with TDA. Youth reporting TDA were more likely to report physical dating violence and community violence exposure. TDA is not an isolated occurrence and is positively associated with in-person violence among adolescents. Associations between TDA, risk and promotive factors, and other forms of violence can help identify avenues for targeting interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quyen M. Epstein-Ngo
- Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Injury Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jessica S. Roche
- Injury Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, Flint, Michigan
| | - Maureen A. Walton
- Injury Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, Flint, Michigan
- Addiction Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marc A. Zimmerman
- Injury Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, Flint, Michigan
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stephen T. Chermack
- Addiction Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research Evaluation Center, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Rebecca M. Cunningham
- Injury Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, Flint, Michigan
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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