1
|
Sinko L, Dubois C, Thorvaldsdottir KB. Measuring Healing and Recovery After Gender-Based Violence: A Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:2907-2926. [PMID: 38407100 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241229745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Healing after gender-based violence (GBV) is multidimensional, with varying instruments used in the scientific literature to capture this phenomenon quantitively in survivor populations. The purpose of this scoping review was to (a) describe quantitative measures used to evaluate recovery after GBV, (b) compare these findings with domains uncovered in a qualitative metasynthesis about survivors' perspectives about healing after GBV, and (c) summarize recovery relationships found. We searched Pubmed, PsycInfo, and Violence/Criminology/Family Studies Abstracts. Studies were included for review if they (a) used quantitative methods, (b) evaluated healing or recovery in survivors of GBV, (c) were available in English, and (d) were empirical articles in peer-reviewed journals. Two thousand nine hundred thirty-five articles were reviewed by title and abstract, and 92 articles were reviewed by full text. Twenty-six articles were included in this review. Eight studies used an alleviation of adverse symptomology as a proxy for recovery, eight used growth-related outcomes, and ten used a combination of both types of measures. While the quantitative instruments synthesized in this review seemed to map onto some of the recovery domains identified through qualitative metasynthesis, no study synthesized measured all domains simultaneously. Studies synthesized identified that recovery-related outcomes may be influenced by social support, symptom burden, disclosure, and various therapeutic intervention programs tested in the literature to date. Synthesizing research on recovery after GBV is an essential step to understand gaps in measurement and understanding. Streamlining and using holistic recovery outcome measurement can aid in the development of evidence-based interventions to promote healing in survivor populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sinko
- Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Eaton CM, Phillips KE. Posttraumatic growth in eating disorder recovery. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2024; 49:38-46. [PMID: 38734453 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate posttraumatic growth in individuals recovering from an eating disorder. DESIGN A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used. PARTICIPANTS The sample consisted of 28 participants who completed the entire study and an additional 10 who completed only the quantitative portion of this mixed methods study. METHODS The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provided a link to the electronic survey via their website. Participants were asked to complete the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI) in the quantitative strand. For the qualitative strand, participants were asked to describe any positive changes in their beliefs or life as the result of their eating disorder (ED). RESULTS Participants reported a high amount of posttraumatic growth as indicated by their mean score on the CBI (30.39, SD 7.89) and (71.26, SD 16.58) on the PTGI. Qualitative categories included relating to others, personal strength, new possibilities, appreciation of life, and spiritual change. CONCLUSION Participants described the transformation they experienced in the recovery process, with recovery from an eating disorder facilitating an opportunity for growth. Providing posttraumatic growth interventions may have the potential to help individuals with eating disorders find meaning in their pathway through recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Morgan Eaton
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, 231 Glenbrook Road, Storrs, CT 06269, United States of America.
| | - Kathryn E Phillips
- Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 08824, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fedele E, Trousset V, Schalk T, Oliero J, Fovet T, Lefevre T. Identification of Psycho-Socio-Judicial Trajectories and Factors Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in People Over 15 Years of Age Who Recently Reported Sexual Assault to a Forensic Medical Center: Protocol for a Multicentric Prospective Study Using Mixed Methods and Artificial Intelligence. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e46652. [PMID: 37843900 PMCID: PMC10616743 DOI: 10.2196/46652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual assault (SA) can lead to a range of adverse effects on physical, sexual, and mental health, as well as on one's social life, financial stability, and overall quality of life. However, not all people who experience SA will develop negative functional outcomes. Various risk and protective factors can influence psycho-socio-judicial trajectories. However, how these factors influence trauma adaptation and the onset of early posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not always clear. OBJECTIVE Guided by an ecological framework, this project has 3 primary objectives: (1) to describe the 1-year psycho-socio-judicial trajectories of individuals recently exposed to SA who sought consultation with a forensic practitioner; (2) to identify predictive factors for the development of PTSD during the initial forensic examination using artificial intelligence; and (3) to explore the perceptions, needs, and experiences of individuals who have been sexually assaulted. METHODS This longitudinal multicentric cohort study uses a mixed methods approach. Quantitative cohort data are collected through an initial questionnaire completed by the physician during the first forensic examination and through follow-up telephone questionnaires at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the SA. The questionnaires measure factors associated with PTSD, mental, physical, social, and overall functional outcomes, as well as psycho-socio-judicial trajectories. Cohort participants are recruited through their forensic examination at 1 of the 5 participating centers based in France. Eligible participants are aged 15 or older, have experienced SA in the last 30 days, are fluent in French, and can be reached by phone. Qualitative data are gathered through semistructured interviews with cohort participants, individuals who have experienced SA but are not part of the cohort, and professionals involved in their psycho-socio-judicial care. RESULTS Bivariate and multivariate analyses will be conducted to examine the associations between each variable and mental, physical, social, and judicial outcomes. Predictive analyses will be performed using multiple prediction algorithms to forecast PTSD. Qualitative data will be integrated with quantitative data to identify psycho-socio-judicial trajectories and enhance the prediction of PTSD. Additionally, data on the perceptions and needs of individuals who have experienced SA will be analyzed independently to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and requirements. CONCLUSIONS This project will collect extensive qualitative and quantitative data that have never been gathered over such an extended period, leading to unprecedented insights into the psycho-socio-judicial trajectories of individuals who have recently experienced SA. It represents the initial phase of developing a functional artificial intelligence tool that forensic practitioners can use to better guide individuals who have recently experienced SA, with the aim of preventing the onset of PTSD. Furthermore, it will contribute to addressing the existing gap in the literature regarding the accessibility and effectiveness of support services for individuals who have experienced SA in Europe. This comprehensive approach, encompassing the entire psycho-socio-judicial continuum and taking into account the viewpoints of SA survivors, will enable the generation of innovative recommendations for enhancing their care across all stages, starting from the initial forensic examination. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/46652.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Fedele
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Social Issues (UMR 8156), Aubervilliers, France
- Department of Health, Medicine and Human Biology, Sorbonne Paris Nord University (Paris 13), Bobigny, France
| | - Victor Trousset
- Department of Legal and Social Medicine, Jean Verdier Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Bondy, France
| | - Thibault Schalk
- Department of Legal and Social Medicine, Jean Verdier Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Bondy, France
| | - Juliette Oliero
- Department of Legal and Social Medicine, Jean Verdier Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Bondy, France
| | - Thomas Fovet
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Research Center, Regional University Hospital of Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Thomas Lefevre
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Social Issues (UMR 8156), Aubervilliers, France
- Department of Health, Medicine and Human Biology, Sorbonne Paris Nord University (Paris 13), Bobigny, France
- Department of Legal and Social Medicine, Jean Verdier Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Bondy, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van der Westhuizen M, Walker-Williams HJ, Fouché A. Meaning Making Mechanisms in Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:1363-1386. [PMID: 35109730 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211066100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a complex and prevalent problem with devastating long-term consequences for survivors. Despite these consequences, some survivors seem to find a source of meaning and fulfillment throughout their recovery process, which may facilitate resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG). However, little is known from the literature about the specific meaning making mechanisms that CSA survivors experience. A scoping review was conducted by searching relevant journals and several online databases such as EbscoHost, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies published in English and that discussed meaning making as a topic of recovery from CSA in the context of women survivors' experiences were included, where a total of 57 articles were selected including qualitative (n = 32), quantitative (n = 9), mixed method (n = 9), and review (n = 7) articles. Using thematic analysis, the results of the scoping review found four mechanisms of meaning making and seven sources of meaning describing the meaning making processes of women survivors of CSA. The mechanisms were identified as being benevolent; restoring and empowering the inner self; mobilizing external and social resources; and lastly actively integrating the trauma narrative. This study contributes toward the global knowledge base on meaning making mechanisms of women survivors of CSA by providing the first known summary of studies to date. Future research is recommended to further confirm these findings to inform treatment interventions for women survivors of CSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ansie Fouché
- Compress, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
- United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Eytan S, Ronel N. From Looking for Reason to Finding Meaning: A Spiritual Journey of Recovery From Sexual Trauma. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:7404-7425. [PMID: 36710496 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221145723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The current study aims to describe a spiritual facet of recovery processes from sexual trauma, as manifested in the transformation from the frustration and despair of looking for reasons to the traumatic event(s) to the growth and prosperity of finding meaning. A phenomenological research was conducted, interviewing individuals with a variety of affiliations to spirituality and to trauma: female survivors who turned to spirituality as part of their recovery process (n = 17), spiritually oriented therapists who treat survivors (n = 10), and spiritual leaders and teachers who are often consulted by survivors and their close ones (n = 9). Participants were asked about the nature of perceived transformation of survivors' trauma, within the meaning context, and about the perceived relevance of such a spiritual meaning-making process to recovery. Findings suggests four stances in the process:(1) doubting, describing frustrations, denials, and struggles, (2) believing, describing the acceptance of the idea that there is spiritual meaning in the trauma, (3) knowing, describing calmness, comfort, trust, and sense of freedom, and (4) doing, describing carrying the message of spiritual recovery to other survivors. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on victimology and on spirituality. It adds to the research on the spiritual meaning-making process, on the role of spirituality in survivors' perceptions of victimization and recovery, and on the importance of spiritual meaning as a recovery capital. Additionally, it directs therapists to broaden their discussions with survivors on their beliefs and values. The study lays the foundation for a theory entitled Spiritual Victimology.
Collapse
|
6
|
Winterstein TB, Avieli H, Gichaz M. Recovering the Lost Soul: Older Women's Reflections on Past Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:426-439. [PMID: 36882288 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231159802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Intrafamilial child sexual abuse (IFCSA) is a social problem with longstanding effects on victims' lives. While scholarly literature has focused on the adverse aftermath of sexual abuse, only a few studies have acknowledged older women's perspectives on their experience of IFCSA and their journey of healing and recovery. The aim of the present study was to explore how older survivors of IFCSA construct and shape their experience of healing in later life and the meaning they assign to this process. Narrative inquiry was selected to explore the narratives of 11 older women survivors of IFCSA. Participants were interviewed using a biographical narrative interviewing method. The narratives were then transcribed and analyzed using thematic, structural, and performance analyses. Four major themes emerged from the participants' narratives: Achieving closure; Spiritual framing of IFCSA as a platform for self-growth; Becoming whole in old age; and Looking to the future after IFCSA. During the aging years, IFCSA survivors may redefine their identity and their place in the world. Using life review processes, older women in this study were striving to heal and reconcile with their past.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hila Avieli
- Department of Criminology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Mili Gichaz
- Department of Gerontogy, University of Haifa, Ariel, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tu AK, Restivo Haney J, O'Neill K, Swaminathan A, Choi KW, Lee H, Smoller JW, Patel V, Barreira PJ, Liu CH, Naslund JA. Post-traumatic growth in PhD students during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:100104. [PMID: 36743383 PMCID: PMC9886426 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, graduate students have faced increased risk of mental health challenges. Research suggests that experiencing adversity may induce positive psychological changes, called post-traumatic growth (PTG). These changes can include improved relationships with others, perceptions of oneself, and enjoyment of life. Few existing studies have explored this phenomenon among graduate students. This secondary data analysis of a survey conducted in November 2020 among graduate students at a private R1 University in the northeast United States examined graduate students' levels and correlates of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students had a low level of PTG, with a mean score of 10.31 out of 50. Linear regression models showed significant positive relationships between anxiety and PTG and between a measure of self-reported impact of the pandemic and PTG. Non-White minorities also had significantly greater PTG than White participants. Experiencing more negative impact due to the pandemic and ruminating about the pandemic were correlated with greater PTG. These findings advance research on the patterns of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic and can inform future studies of graduate students' coping mechanisms and support efforts to promote pandemic recovery and resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison K. Tu
- Harvard College, 86 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Juliana Restivo Haney
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Kathryn O'Neill
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Akshay Swaminathan
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Karmel W. Choi
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hyunjoon Lee
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jordan W. Smoller
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Paul J. Barreira
- Office of the Provost and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Cindy H. Liu
- Departments of Pediatric Newborn Medicine and Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - John A. Naslund
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Goldner L, Frid L. Fragmentation of the self: Characteristics of sexual assault and implications in self-drawing. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2021.101877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
9
|
Guggisberg M, Bottino S, Doran CM. Women's Contexts and Circumstances of Posttraumatic Growth After Sexual Victimization: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:699288. [PMID: 34512456 PMCID: PMC8427813 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.699288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual violence is a concerning public health and criminal justice problem. Even though extensive literature has linked sexual victimization to a multitude of mental and physical problems, some victim/survivors recover and are able to lead lives without notable negative impacts. Little is known about women who experienced posttraumatic growth following sexual victimization. This review brings together knowledge accumulated in the academic literature in the past decade. It was informed by the PRISMA-P guidelines. Databases were searched using a combination of keywords to locate original peer-reviewed research articles published between January 2010 and October 2020 focusing on posttraumatic growth following sexual victimization. The initial search identified 6,187 articles with 265 articles being read in full, identifying 41 articles that were included in the analysis. The results suggest that recovery from sexual victimization is possible with the healing process being idiosyncratic. Victim/survivors employed various strategies resulting in higher degrees of functioning, which were termed growth. Following a synthesis of themes that emerged from the thematic analysis, a higher order abstraction, using creative insight through reflexivity, discussions among the research team and consistent interpretation and re-interpretation of the identified themes as a second stage analysis, resulted in the identification of two superordinate topics "relationship to self" and "relationship to others." Findings indicated that women engaged in deliberate introspection to connect with themselves and utilized altruistic actions and activism in an attempt to prevent further sexual victimization Helping victim/survivors deal with the sexual violence facilitated growth as a collective. We concluded that helping others may be a therapeutic vehicle for PTG. Given research in this area remains in its infancy, further investigation is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marika Guggisberg
- Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Cluster for Resilience and Wellbeing, Appleton Institute, CQUniversity Australia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simone Bottino
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Christopher M Doran
- Cluster for Resilience and Wellbeing, Appleton Institute, CQUniversity Australia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Strauss Swanson C, Szymanski DM. Anti-Sexual Assault Activism and Positive Psychological Functioning among Survivors. SEX ROLES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-020-01202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|