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van Stolk-Cooke K, Price M, Dyar C, Zimmerman L, Kaysen D. Associations of past-year overall trauma, sexual assault and PTSD with social support for young adult sexual minority women. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2287911. [PMID: 38293771 PMCID: PMC10833114 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2287911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Young adult sexual minority women (SMW) are at elevated risk for sexual assault (SA), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and inadequate social support. While SA and PTSD can lead to reductions in social support from close significant others, the impact of SA and PTSD on SMWs' social support has not previously been assessed.Objective: This study examined the associations of past year SA and PTSD with SMW's social support from intimate partners, family, and friends. It was hypothesized that SA and PTSD would be negatively associated with support from partners, family and friends, and that PTSD would moderate the effect of SA on support in early adulthood.Method: Young adult SMW in the United States (N = 235) who were M = 23.93 (SD = 2.15) years old, primarily lesbian or bisexual (n = 186, 79.1%) and White (n = 176, 74.9%) completed measures on past year exposure to SA and non-SA trauma, PTSD, and social support from intimate partners, family and friends.Results: PTSD was associated with less social support from partners, (b = -0.06, SE = 0.02, p = .010, R2change = .02), family, (b = -0.06, SE = 0.03, p = .025, R2change = .02), and friends, (b = -0.07, SE = 0.02, p = .008, R2change = .02). There was a significant interaction between PTSD and SA on social support from partners (b = -0.01, SE = 0.01, p = .047, R2change = .01). Neither non-SA nor SA trauma was associated with support from family or friends.Conclusions: Results underscore the potential impact of recent SA on intimate partnerships for young adult SMW with more severe PTSD. Future work should explore how addressing PTSD and improving social support quality may help SMW recover from traumatic experiences and ameliorate the effects of SA on intimate partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine van Stolk-Cooke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Psychology Department, State University of New York (SUNY Geneseo), Geneseo, NY, USA
| | - Mathew Price
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Christina Dyar
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lindsey Zimmerman
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Debra Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Bedford CE, Trotter AM, Potter M, Schmidt NB. Minority stress and mental health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer survivors of sexual assault. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:1031-1043. [PMID: 37776211 PMCID: PMC10840671 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Extant research has shown that sexual violence disproportionately affects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals, conferring risk for the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and related mental health conditions. However, little research has focused on specific vulnerabilities among LGBTQ+-identified sexual assault (SA) survivors (e.g., minority stress) and their associations with post-SA psychopathology. To address this gap, we examined associations between experiences of minority stress and post-SA psychopathology in a sample of LGBTQ+ individuals who experienced SA (N = 92) and completed a battery of self-report measures. Results revealed significant differences in internalized stigma, community connectedness, alcohol use, and cannabis use across sexual orientation and gender modality groups, ηp 2 = .08-11. Additionally, regression analyses indicated that experiences of violence and victimization were significantly associated with higher PTSS, β = .31, p = .020; anxiety, β = .39, p = .003; and alcohol use severity, β = .31, p = .027, over and above other experiences of minority stress and psychopathology risk factors. Internalized stigma was significantly associated with cannabis use severity, β =.34, p = .011. Finally, community connectedness was significantly associated with lower anxiety symptom severity, β = -.42, p = .001. Although longitudinal work is needed, findings indicate that experiences of minority stress may serve as risk or maintenance factors for post-SA psychopathology. These results offer important considerations for future treatment approaches tailored to LGBTQ+ survivors of SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter E Bedford
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Aoife M Trotter
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Miracle Potter
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Norman B Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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Ford JV, Shefner R. A Need for More Research: How to Understand Elevated Rates of Sexual Assault Among Bisexual College Women. VIOLENCE AND GENDER 2023; 10:119-127. [PMID: 37767529 PMCID: PMC10521136 DOI: 10.1089/vio.2022.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Bisexual college women exhibit some of the highest rates of sexual assault among all college students. Existing research relies on sexual orientation-related stigma as an explanation for these disparities. In this study, we use data from the Online College Social Life Survey (OCSLS) to explore factors that elevate the risk of sexual assault for bisexual college women compared to heterosexual women. Results show that bisexual women exhibit higher rates of sexual assault since the beginning of college for all types of sexual assault, compared to heterosexual women. We find that perceived sexual disrespect, sexual interactions with men, alcohol use, earlier sexual debut, and multiple ongoing partnerships are associated with a higher risk of sexual assault for both bisexual and heterosexual women. Compared to heterosexual women, bisexual women exhibited higher odds of experiencing sexual assault across the majority of risk factors. We envision this study as a preliminary exploration that can inform ongoing work examining which bisexual women are at the highest risk for sexual assault. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie V. Ford
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ruth Shefner
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Salim SR, Bhuptani PH, Eshelman LR, LaPlena NM, Messman TL. Trauma-Related Shame Mediates the Associations Between Self-Blame, Bisexual Minority Stress, and Rape-Related PTSD Symptoms. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:10259-10281. [PMID: 37232183 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231172487] [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: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Bisexual women experience higher rates of rape and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence compared to heterosexual and lesbian women. In addition, bisexual women experience unique antibisexual stigma and minority stress, which are associated with post-trauma outcomes. The aim of the current study was to test trauma-related shame as a mechanism in the relations of self-blame and bisexual minority stress (i.e., antibisexual stigma and internalized binegativity) with rape-related PTSD symptom. The sample consisted of 192 cisgender bisexual women (ages 18-35 years) who reported an experience of rape since the age of 18. Results from path analysis conducted in Mplus indicated that trauma-related shame mediated the link between self-blame and rape-related PTSD severity, as well as the links from antibisexual stigma and internalized binegativity to rape-related PTSD severity. There was also an indirect serial effect from antibisexual stigma to internalized binegativity to shame to PTSD severity. Thus, findings highlight the mechanistic role of trauma-related shame in rape-related PTSD symptoms. We identified two risk pathways: (a) general/universal risk from self-blame about rape and shame to PTSD severity and (b) group-specific risk from bisexual minority stress and shame to PTSD severity. Results indicate that reducing trauma-related shame may be an important target to improve post-rape outcomes. Finally, stigma associated with rape and sexual violence as well as antibisexual stigma must be eradicated to improve post-trauma outcomes among bisexual survivors.
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Scheer JR, Cascalheira CJ, Helminen EC, Shaw TJ, Schwarz AA, Jaipuriar V, Brisbin CD, Batchelder AW, Sullivan TP, Jackson SD. "I Know Myself Again, Which Makes Me Motivated for Life": Feasibility and Acceptability of Using Experience Sampling Methods With Trauma-Exposed Sexual Minority Women. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:8692-8720. [PMID: 36789733 PMCID: PMC10238639 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231153888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Intensive longitudinal designs (e.g., experience sampling methods [ESMs]) hold promise for examining the dynamic interplay between daily adversity, coping strategies, and behavioral and mental health issues among marginalized populations. However, few studies have used intensive longitudinal designs with sexual minority women (SMW), an understudied and at-risk population. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of using once-daily, interval-contingent ESM with 161 trauma-exposed SMW (Mage = 29.1, SD = 7.57); 20.5% nonbinary; 32.3% queer; 52.2% people of color; 14.3% with annual incomes ≤$9,999; and 30.4% in Southern United States (U.S.). SMW completed one comprehensive online baseline assessment and once-daily brief online assessments for 14 days. Daily surveys assessed past-24-hour stressors, stress responses, and behavioral and mental health symptoms. At the end of the 14-day ESM period, SMW answered three open-ended questions about participating in this study and about research with SMW. Regarding feasibility, 151 participants (94.0%) initiated the post-baseline ESM study portion and 72 (45.0%) completed all 14 daily surveys. An average of 11.70 (median = 13, SD = 3.31) daily surveys (83.5%) were completed by those who initiated the ESM. ESM completion level varied by race/ethnicity and U.S. region. Qualitative acceptability data revealed several themes, namely that SMW (1) enjoyed participating and felt positively about the ESM experience, (2) felt supported to reflect on impacts of early and ongoing stressors, (3) appreciated the chance to self-reflect and challenge existing thought patterns and coping behaviors, (4) recognized their capacity to tolerate trauma-related distress, (5) recommended that researchers focus on SMW's diverse stressors and daily experiences, (6) wanted a rationale for providing sensitive information and more space to narrate their experiences, and (7) recognized the need for affirmative treatment and policies. Findings could inform modifications to ESM protocols to improve their feasibility and acceptability among trauma-exposed SMW and promote ongoing utility of this valuable method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cory J Cascalheira
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, NY, USA
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM,USA
| | - Emily C Helminen
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, NY, USA
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J Shaw
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Cal D Brisbin
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, The University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Abigail W Batchelder
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tami P Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Scheer JR, Helminen EC, Cascalheira CJ, Jaipuriyar V, Shaw TJ, Zabelski S, Behari K, Pirog S, Batchelder AW, Possemato K, Hughes TL, Sullivan TP. Probable PTSD, PTSD symptom severity, and comorbid PTSD and hazardous drinking among sexual minority women compared to heterosexual women: A meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 102:102283. [PMID: 37150043 PMCID: PMC10205673 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more prevalent among sexual minority women (SMW) than among heterosexual women. PTSD risk varies among SMW, but no meta-analysis has clarified sexual identity-related disparities in probable PTSD among women or SMW's heterogeneity in PTSD risk. SMW are also at pronounced risk of comorbid PTSD and hazardous drinking (HD). However, the difference in comorbid PTSD/HD between SMW and heterosexual women is understudied. This meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of differences between SMW and heterosexual women and among SMW across demographic characteristics. Peer-reviewed publications that were written in English and reported quantitative data on PTSD specific to SMW were included. Eligible publications (n = 45) were identified through a systematic search of 11 electronic databases, supplemented by a search of reference lists of relevant papers. We found that probable PTSD, PTSD symptom severity, and probable comorbid PTSD/HD are highly prevalent among SMW, with SMW of color, transgender and gender diverse people, and bi+ women (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, queer) being at greatest risk. These results emphasize the need to improve accurate assessment of trauma-related sequelae among SMW and to develop, disseminate, and implement culturally sensitive treatments to reduce PTSD and comorbid PTSD/HD among at-risk SMW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R Scheer
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
| | - Emily C Helminen
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; College of Health Science and Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Cory J Cascalheira
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; Department of Counseling & Educational Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Virinca Jaipuriyar
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Thomas J Shaw
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sasha Zabelski
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Kriti Behari
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Sophia Pirog
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Abigail W Batchelder
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle Possemato
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Columbia University School of Nursing Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tami P Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Stockman D, Haney L, Uzieblo K, Littleton H, Keygnaert I, Lemmens G, Verhofstadt L. An ecological approach to understanding the impact of sexual violence: a systematic meta-review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1032408. [PMID: 37292501 PMCID: PMC10244654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1032408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim A systematic meta-review was conducted to examine (1) the broad range of negative and positive individual and interpersonal changes following adult sexual violence, as well as (2) the risk/protective factors at multiple levels of the social ecology (e.g., individual, assault, and micro/meso/exo/macro/chronosystem factors)-influencing the impact of sexual violence. Methods Searches of Web of Science, Pubmed, and ProQuest resulted in inclusion of 46 systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Review findings were extracted for summary and a deductive thematic analysis was conducted. Results Experiencing sexual violence is associated with many negative individual and sexual difficulties as well as revictimization risk. Only a limited number of reviews reported on interpersonal and positive changes. Factors at multiple levels of the social ecology play a role in the intensity of these changes. Reviews including macrolevel factors were non-existent, however. Conclusion Reviews on sexual violence are fragmented in nature. Although the use of an ecological approach is often lacking, adopting such a perspective in research is necessary for a fuller understanding of the multiple influences on survivor outcomes. Future research should evaluate the occurrence of social and positive changes following sexual violence, as well as the role of macrolevel factors in influencing post-assault outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Stockman
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Haney
- Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Kasia Uzieblo
- Department of Criminology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
- Forensic Care Specialists, Van der Hoeven Clinic, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Heather Littleton
- Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Ines Keygnaert
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gilbert Lemmens
- Department of Head and Skin, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lesley Verhofstadt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Blayney JA, Jaffe AE, Hequembourg AL, Parrott DJ. Sexual Victimization Among Sexual and Gender Minoritized Groups: Recent Research and Future Directions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:183-191. [PMID: 37014545 PMCID: PMC10947481 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Sexual victimization is a significant public health concern. Compared to heterosexual and cisgender peers, sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) individuals are at elevated risk for sexual victimization. Prominent theories suggest that this risk is due in part to the stigma SGM individuals face when navigating heteronormative cultures. The goal of this article is to review the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of sexual victimization in SGM individuals. RECENT FINDINGS Studies continue to show that SGM individuals-bisexual and/or gender minoritized in particular-are at higher risk for sexual victimization. Little work has focused on risk factors, though recent research continues to highlight post-victimization disparities among SGM individuals. Emerging studies also point to theoretically informed factors that may influence victimization risk and recovery, including sexual and gender-related stigma. To inform prevention and intervention efforts, future research would benefit from streamlining assessment, methodology, and dissemination practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Blayney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Anna E Jaffe
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Amy L Hequembourg
- School of Nursing, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dominic J Parrott
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Hayfield N. Recent developments in research with bisexual women. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 48:101489. [PMID: 36371973 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This article is organised into sections that explore three key themes. The first is overarching and cuts across the literature, where within recent bisexuality research there has been increased inclusion of those whose identities are defined by attraction to multiple genders (e.g., pansexual, queer, and others). This has sometimes been in the form of an amalgamated bisexual+ category, but recent attention has also been given to definitions of bisexuality and pansexuality and how bisexual and pansexual identities might compare. The second theme explores mental health including substance use/abuse and sexual violence/victimisation. The third section notes that there has, to some extent, also been an interest in bipositivity and positive aspects of bisexual identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Hayfield
- School of Social Sciences, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK.
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