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Carson KW, Babad S, Kosuri M, Bursky M, Fairchild V, Barahmand U, Brown EJ, Nikulina V. Sexual Victimization Disclosure: A Cluster Analysis Approach to Understanding Victimization Experiences in Disclosers and Non-Disclosers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11919. [PMID: 34831676 PMCID: PMC8623486 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research has used cluster analysis to identify clusters, or groups, of sexual victimization survivors who share similar assault experiences. However, researchers have not investigated whether disclosure status is a key component of the survivors' experience. The current study identified two clusters among 174 disclosing and non-disclosing sexual victimization survivors. Cluster One (n = 74) included an incapacitated assault by a lesser-known perpetrator and disclosure of the event. Cluster Two (n = 100) included a verbally instigated assault by a well-known perpetrator and nondisclosure of the event. Follow up independent t-tests revealed that women in Cluster One had significantly higher depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than women in Cluster Two. Results support prior research identifying clusters of victimization based on assault characteristics and suggest that disclosure status is a key variable in the recovery process. Specific implications for clinicians, policy makers, and the community are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Walsh Carson
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; (S.B.); (M.K.); (M.B.); (V.F.); (V.N.)
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA;
| | - Sara Babad
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; (S.B.); (M.K.); (M.B.); (V.F.); (V.N.)
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA;
| | - Mahathi Kosuri
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; (S.B.); (M.K.); (M.B.); (V.F.); (V.N.)
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA;
| | - Mikell Bursky
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; (S.B.); (M.K.); (M.B.); (V.F.); (V.N.)
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA;
| | - Victoria Fairchild
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; (S.B.); (M.K.); (M.B.); (V.F.); (V.N.)
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA;
| | - Usha Barahmand
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA;
| | - Elissa J. Brown
- Child HELP Partnership, St. John’s University, Queens, New York, NY 11439, USA;
| | - Valentina Nikulina
- Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; (S.B.); (M.K.); (M.B.); (V.F.); (V.N.)
- Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA;
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Semin JN, Skrundevskiy-Coburn A, Smith LM, Rajaram SS. Understanding the Needs and Preferences of Domestic and Sexual Violence Education for Health Profession Students. Violence Against Women 2019; 26:1876-1896. [PMID: 31802693 DOI: 10.1177/1077801219890420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study examined health profession students' comfort levels, perceived knowledge, attitudes, and preferences for domestic and sexual violence education at an academic medical center. Students indicated their perceived knowledge of community resources was poor, whereas comfort, attitudes, and perceived knowledge of the topic remained fair. A majority of students (83.2%) reported receiving less than 3 hr of training in their coursework, which remained consistent for students with more years of education. Students preferred content be incorporated into existing curricula or presented in lunch seminars. Study results reveal opportunities for improvement in domestic and sexual violence education.
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Carson KW, Babad S, Brown EJ, Brumbaugh CC, Castillo BK, Nikulina V. Why Women Are Not Talking About It: Reasons for Nondisclosure of Sexual Victimization and Associated Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression. Violence Against Women 2019; 26:271-295. [DOI: 10.1177/1077801219832913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Disclosure of traumatic experiences is typically encouraged and associated with positive outcomes. However, there is limited research on nondisclosure of sexual trauma and consequent symptomology. This online study of undergraduate females examines reasons for nondisclosure and associated symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Of 221 participants who reported sexual victimization, 25% had not previously disclosed it. Four reasons for nondisclosure were identified: shame, minimization of experience, fear of consequences, and privacy. Nondisclosers who minimized the experience and nondisclosers low on shame reported fewer PTSD symptoms than disclosers. These findings suggest that reasons for nondisclosure are associated with symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Walsh Carson
- Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, USA
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, USA
| | - Sara Babad
- Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, USA
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, USA
| | | | - Claudia Chloe Brumbaugh
- Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, USA
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, USA
| | | | - Valentina Nikulina
- Queens College, City University of New York, New York City, USA
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, USA
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