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.
Highlights
The current findings highlight the importance of including disclosure status to help clinicians and researchers better understand the experiences of emerging adult sexual victimization survivors
The current study identified two clusters of female sexual victimization survivors
The first cluster is defined by more stereotypical sexual assault experiences, a higher likelihood of disclosure, and is marked by higher levels of mental health difficulties
Summary
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. Among college-attending female rape survivors, depression prevalence rates range from 9.1–13.1% [6]. Research has consistently reported elevated PTSD rates in survivors of interpersonal violence, including rape and other forms of sexual assault compared with other types of trauma exposure (e.g., natural disaster, car accident) [7,8]. 17.4% of rape survivors and 11.0% of sexual assault survivors met criteria for PTSD, compared with lifetime prevalence rates ranging from
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