All Involved in the Recovery: Disclosure and Social Reactions following Sexual Victimization. Issue 6 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Therriault, Christine; Bigras, Noémie; Hébert, Martine; Godbout, Natacha
• Is Part Of: Journal of aggression, maltreatment & trauma. Volume 29:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 661
• Page End: 679
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Disclosure -- psychological distress -- sexual adjustment -- sexual victimization in adulthood -- social reactions; Violence -- Periodicals; Offenses against the person -- Periodicals; Aggression -- Periodicals; Crime Victims -- Periodicals; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic -- Periodicals; Violence -- Periodicals; 616.8582
• DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2020.1725210
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1092-6771

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Sexual victimization in adulthood (SVA; i.e. sexual assault, sexual violence within an intimate relationship) is related to negative effects such as psychological distress and lower sexual adjustment. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms at work within this relationship. This study examined the role of disclosure, social reactions and psychological distress in the relationship between SVA and sexual adjustment (i.e. sexual satisfaction and sexual difficulties). A sample of 474 adults from the general population completed an online survey. Results indicated that 16% of the sample reported SVA. Among this subgroup of victims, 64% ( n = 49) experienced positive social reactions following disclosure, while 17% ( n = 13) did not disclose and 19% ( n = 15) experienced negative social reactions following disclosure. Compared to other groups, victims who report negative social reactions show higher psychological distress and lower sexual adjustment than other subgroups of victims or non-victims. In contrast, victims reporting positive reactions expressed equivalent levels of psychological distress and sexual satisfaction than non-victims. Using path analyses, an integrative model revealed that SVA with associated disclosure and social reactions was directly and indirectly related to sexual adjustment through psychological distress. Results highlight the central importance of social reactions following disclosure of victims.