Survivors Of Abuse Research Articles

Digitally facilitated economic abuse in the age of digital financial services – new risks for economic abuse in intimate partner violence

The aim is to show how digital financial services are used to perpetrate digitally facilitated economic abuse. The article is based on interviews with women in Sweden who are survivors of intimate partner violence and economic abuse. The use of digital financial services is rapidly expanding and in Sweden they are used by the majority of the population. They are available on smart devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops and have become a part of everyday life. Research on technology facilitated abuse and research on economic abuse have not addressed the risks for economic abuse via digital financial services. To bridge this gap, we suggest a merging of these fields to focus on what we call digitally facilitated economic abuse. Findings show that digital financial services constitute risks for economic abuse and facilitate abusive behaviours. Smart devices serve as digital bank books, wallets and identity cards, all rolled into one neat little package, opening up for new methods for economic abuse. Abusers use digital financial services to limit and restrict the woman’s access to money, to monitor and control her use of money by breaching her financial privacy, to economically exploit her and to put her in debt.

A New Self‐Defence Framework for Domestic Abuse Survivors Who Use Violent Resistance in Response

This article criticises the government's rejection of proposals by the Prison Reform Trust that would have extended self‐defence in householder cases to victims/survivors of domestic abuse. The authors argue that the Prison Reform Trust proposals should be enacted, and further supported by novel complementary reform of the option to retreat, and the exclusion of intoxicated mistaken belief in self‐defence claims. Specifically, the authors advance a statutory rebuttable presumption regarding the option to retreat in cases involving domestic abuse, namely, an assumption that the victim/survivor was not realistically able to retreat safely, unless it is proven otherwise. The authors also examine the appropriateness of the policy decision to exclude intoxicated mistaken belief in all self‐defence cases and advocate for its removal. It should be replaced with a requirement that all mistaken beliefs must be reasonable regardless of the presence of intoxication. Procedural recommendations are also advanced, including amendment of the Crown Court Compendium to include judicial directions on self‐defence which adopt a social entrapment approach in domestic abuse cases, and supported by the admissibility of non‐medical expert evidence on the nature and impact of coercive control.

"Finding My Worth as a Sexual Being": A Qualitative Gender Analysis of Sexual Self-Concept and Coping in Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is likely to have impacts on adult survivors' sexuality, particularly on their sexual self-concept. However, little is known about how survivors cope with CSA-related sexual impacts, including sexual self-concept impairments. Thus, this study aimed to examine the interplay between sexual self-concept and coping strategies in CSA survivors by (1) documenting the manifestations of their impaired sexual self-concepts; (2) identifying their strategies to cope with the sexual impacts of CSA; and (3) examining gender differences on sexual self-concept impairments and coping strategies. Content analysis was conducted on semi-structured interviews with 25 women and 26 men adult survivors of CSA recruited via social networks and victim support organizations. Analyses yielded three conceptual categories: (1) Developing an unconsolidated and unfavorable sexual self-concept following CSA; (2) Avoiding CSA-related sexual impacts and impaired sexual self-concept; (3) Approaching CSA-related sexual impacts with more authenticity. Men often managed their suffering and compensated for their impaired sexual self-concept by engaging in sexual dominance and over-investment, by accepting their sexual difficulties and relying on medication to overcome them. Women tended to restrict themselves and disconnect sexually to avoid suffering, complied with their partners' sexual demands out of a sense of duty, prioritized sexual intimacy over orgasm, and seek professional help. Interventions with survivors should promote the development of approach strategies to cope with sexual difficulties, including self-concept impairments, and foster sexual authenticity.

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among Youth Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Network Analysis

BackgroundPrevious studies have frequently reported a high prevalence of co-occurring anxiety and depression among people who experienced stressful events in childhood. However, few have noted the symptomatic relationship of this comorbidity among childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors. Therefore, this study’s objectives were as follows: (1) to examine the relationship across symptoms between anxiety and depression among CSA survivors; (2) to compare differences between male and female network structures among CSA survivors.MethodsA total of 63 Universities and Colleges in Jilin Province, China, covered 96,218 participants in this study, a sub-set data of which met the criteria of CSA was analyzed with the network analysis. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), measured CSA. Anxiety was measured by the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and depression was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The sex difference between anxiety and depression among CSA survivors was compared.Results3,479 college students reported the experience of CSA (CTQ-SF total scores ≥ 8), with a prevalence of 3.62% (95% CI: 3.50–3.73%). Among CSA survivors, control worry, sad mood, and energy were central and bridge symptoms of the anxiety and depression network. Meanwhile, male CSA survivors appeared to have a stronger correlation between guilt and suicide, but female CSA survivors seemed to have a stronger correlation between control worry and suicide. Moreover, the edge of control worry-relax-afraid was stronger in the male network, while the edge of restless-relax was stronger in the female network.ConclusionControl worry, sad mood, and energy are crucial to offer targeted treatment and to relieve anxiety and depression symptoms for CSA survivors. Guilt needs more attention for male CSA survivors, while control worry remains more important for female CSA survivors to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

Cross-Sectional Examination of Physical Abuse Victimization Differences Between Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Service Members in the U.S. Military, 2018.

Purpose: The primary objective was to analyze the association between sexual orientation and physical abuse victimization using a representative sample from the U.S. active-duty military population. The secondary objective was to determine if differences exist by sexual orientation in perceived barriers (e.g., stigma) to mental health care utilization among physical abuse victimization survivors. Methods: The 2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS) (n = 17,166 active-duty respondents) was used for analysis. Weighted logistic regressions and Poisson regressions were used for multivariable analyses, controlling for demographic and military variables. Results: Approximately 93.7% of respondents identified as heterosexual or straight, 2.3% identified as gay or lesbian, and 4% as bisexual. Bisexual active-duty service members had 1.5-fold greater odds of reporting any form of physical abuse victimization (adjusted odds ratio: 1.50 and 95% confidence interval: 1.07-2.10). However, there was no difference observed between gay/lesbian and heterosexual service members for physical abuse victimization. Among survivors of physical abuse victimization, bisexual (p = 0.0038) and gay (p < 0.0001) service members were more likely to report more than one mental health care barrier compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Conclusions: Bisexual service members were more likely to experience physical abuse victimization when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. In addition, gay and bisexual survivors of physical abuse were more likely to experience barriers to mental health care. Tailored interventions should explore strategies to prevent victimization and disparities in mental health care utilization by sexual orientation.

Development and preliminary evaluation of the Moral Injury Assessment for survivors of abuse.

Development and preliminary evaluation of the Moral Injury Assessment for survivors of abuse.

Physicians and nurses professional relationship with criminal investigation in dealing with survivors of sexual abuse: a scoping review

Survivors of sexual abuse and their families seek help from criminal law enforcement agencies and health professionals to obtain justice and health care. Many communities have implemented multi-professional collaborative models so that the victim’s well-being is assured and the truth is established. However, there is a general lack of evidence on how to best articulate these teams with the healthcare professionals caring for the survivors.Therefore, this Scoping Review was conducted in order to analyze and to map the barriers and facilitators of the relationship between health professionals and the criminal investigation team in the care of survivors of sexual abuse. The methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for Scoping Reviews was used, and the Bronstein five dimension model of interprofessional collaboration served as the basis for the analysis of barriers and facilitators. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed studies, primary and secondary sources, text and opinion documents were included. Content analysis was performed on the main findings of the collected studies. Twelve articles were identified and analyzed. Collaboration, communication, hierarchy, skills, confidentiality, and leadership emerged as key themes. Multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) were implemented to coordinate care, but conflicting goals and values among professionals posed challenges. Communication failures and inadequate information sharing hindered collaboration. Neutral leaders who coordinate teams, minimize groupthink, and improve decision-making were found to be valuable. Engaging across disciplinary boundaries and addressing power dynamics were challenging but could be addressed through facilitation and conflict resolution. This review highlights the importance of effective collaboration and interaction within teams and with other professionals in the care of sexual abuse survivors.

Integrating Group Cognitive Behavioural, Art Psychotherapy for women following childhood sexual abuse

ABSTRACT Background Despite the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse, and the number of adults referred to secondary mental services with symptoms of mental distress or disorder who report such a history, there is little in the way of specific recommendations for treatment approaches. Aims We wanted to consider the effectiveness of a combined Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Art Psychotherapy (ApT)* group therapy model (GCB-ApT) for women with experience of childhood sexual abuse. Methods GCB-ApT was delivered to seven groups of female survivors of childhood sexual abuse (n = 41) in community mental health team settings, using a standardised model. There were 32 participants who completed the group, and full data is available for 30 participants. Each group was facilitated by two female therapists – a clinical psychologist and an art psychotherapist. The study was registered with the employing Trust (BSMHFT) as a retrospective evaluation of validated clinical outcome measures routinely administered pre – and post-intervention. Results Results showed significant post-intervention improvement in the domains of global distress, depression and self-esteem. Conclusions Results were promising, although numbers were small. Implications for practice/policy/future research Results suggested that group provision using the GCB-ApT model could be a helpful addition to clinical interventions provided for women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Further research is recommended. *Some texts referenced may use ‘art therapy’ rather than ‘art psychotherapy’. The abbreviation ApT is used for either throughout. Plain-language summary We looked at how we could provide specific ways to help those women referred to Psychological Services who had experienced childhood sexual abuse. There weren’t many suggestions from previous research that gave us a confident idea about what specific approach works best. We found evidence that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Art Psychotherapy can be useful, and we wanted to combine them in a group setting to see how helpful this was. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at how our thoughts might affect our behaviours and feelings, while Art Psychotherapy uses and explores image-making as a way of helping with distressing experiences and emotions. We organised seven groups with a total of forty-one women. Two therapists (one specialist in each therapy) led each group, held over twenty sessions. There were three parts to the group: firstly we covered coping strategies, then we looked in more detail at each person's account of what they had been through. Finally, we supported women to review what had happened for them in the group and to plan for after it had ended. Each week we began by looking at a topic or theme relevant to this group (e.g. flashbacks) through information giving and discussion. The theme provided a starting point for using the art materials, followed by group members being invited to share the images they had made and how that had felt, and to explore any thoughts and feelings that arose in the group in response. We gave each woman three questionnaires to complete at the beginning and the end of the groups, and compared the results. These showed that there had been improvements in mood, self-esteem and psychological well-being. There are limitations with these results, partly because the numbers are small. However, they suggest that more research would be worthwhile.

‘What do I do?’ A study to inform development of an e-resource for maternity healthcare professionals and students caring for people with lived experience of childhood sexual abuse

BackgroundThe impact of childhood sexual abuse can last a lifetime. It is more prevalent than many common complexities that require additional care during the childbirth cycle but is rarely part of the education of healthcare professionals and students. This study informed the development of an e-resource to support maternity healthcare professionals and students caring for people with lived experience of childhood sexual abuse. ObjectivesTo identify any previous learning of pre-registration students and healthcare professionals in relation to care of survivors of childhood sexual abuse, explore their clinical experience in caring for survivors, identify related learning needs, explore what survivors of childhood sexual abuse would like healthcare professionals to know about their maternity care needs. DesignA qualitative descriptive study using focus groups and interviews. Data derived qualitative content analysis was employed to address the objectives. SettingThe study was designed in consultation with The Survivors Trust and took place in South London, UK ParticipantsThirty seven health care professionals and students participated, comprising 25 students of midwifery, health visiting and medicine; 9 midwives, health visitors and doctors with specialist obstetric training. Eight women with lived experience took part in focus groups. FindingsCare of women and birthing people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse had not been part of the undergraduate/pre-registration curricula, nor in specialist training for obstetricians. Many practitioners felt unprepared to care for those with lived experience of abuse and their learning needs were wide-ranging. The need for a learning resource was acknowledged and the outline plan that had been produced following the focus groups was endorsed by participants with lived experience. ConclusionCare for women and birthing people with lived experience of childhood sexual abuse can be challenging for both personal and professional reasons. This study confirmed the need for a resource that could facilitate the classroom teaching of students and be used for the Continuous Professional Development of qualified practitioners.

Identifying radiation therapists’ perceptions of potentially triggering aspects of care for survivors of sexual violence undergoing radiotherapy

IntroductionResearch shows that for survivors of sexual violence (SV), cancer procedures can be retraumatizing due to perceived similarities to the original SV. To date, there is no training program designed specifically for the radiation therapist (RTT) on how to deliver care sensitively to survivors of SV. A key component of sensitive practice is working with patients to identify and develop strategies to manage situations that could be triggering. The goal of this study was to understand the RTT recognition of potential sensory/environmental, relational, and mixed triggers in radiation oncology settings. MethodsThis quantitative research study conducted a secondary analysis on RTT responses to a learning activity from an online cancer education training program. The first section of the activity asked trainees to identify two potential triggers in a brachytherapy video, and the second portion of the activity asked trainees to describe two potential triggers in their own work. ResultsDescriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and t tests were used to analyze 50 RTT responses. RTTs tended to identify different types of triggers depending on the question (brachytherapy video vs. self-reflection). Data indicated that despite a lack of formal didactic training in trigger management, RTTs could identify triggers, and were most likely to recognize “mixed” type triggers. DiscussionTriggers identified are consistent with past research on childhood sexual abuse survivors’ healthcare retraumatization in obstetrics and gynecology, and cancer care. As in past research, invasive techniques, and situations where the patient was in a submissive position were identified as triggering aspects of care. It is interesting to note when reflecting on their own practice, the least identified triggers all fell under the environmental/sensory trigger category. RTTs may not fully appreciate a variety of potential triggers such as sounds of treatment or silence because they are outside of the room administering the beam when the machine is delivering treatment. Thus, they may not hear certain sounds or silence during their daily routine. ConclusionsRelatively few trainees identified sensory/ environmental triggers (e.g., restricted visibility and sounds of treatment, including silence) when reflecting on their own practice, which could potentially reduce their likelihood of helping patients minimize the impact of (or avoid) such triggers. Future research should identify a comprehensive list of triggers and then develop a training specific to the RTT focused on identifying environmental/sensory triggers from the perspective of the patient in the often unfamiliar and frightening radiotherapy suite.

The truth project- paper two- using staff training and consultation to inculcate a testimonial sensibility in non-specialist staff teams working with survivors of child sexual abuse.

This paper explores how trauma informed training and consultation for non-specialist staff at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales enabled them to work with survivors of non-recent child sexual abuse in the Truth Project and other areas of the Inquiry. The paper draws on data gathered from 32 semi-structured interviews with a range of Inquiry staff, including civil servants, legal professionals, senior operational managers, and researchers. The interview questions mapped on to the trauma informed principles embedded in the Inquiry and considered the efficacy and implementation of this training for engaging with survivors' voices, working with challenging testimonies and materials, and contributing to epistemic change. Findings included all staff having an awareness of what it meant to be trauma informed in an Inquiry context, talking about the principles in terms of value-based positions. Staff described an awareness of needing to attend to the idiosyncratic experiences of the individual survivor, and there was recognition that previous damage to survivor trust, through institutional failure, meant that demonstrating trustworthiness was a central task. Staff talked about the impacts of participation on some survivors, and the impacts it had on them to be exposed to trauma-related materials. There was acknowledgment of the limitations of the trauma informed approach but also recognition of the wider applications of this learning for other areas of their personal and professional lives. There is some support for the therapeutic culture developed at the Inquiry leading to what Fricker refers to as a testimonial sensibility, a quality of listening necessary for the establishment of epistemic justice. The discussion focuses on how this way of working can be applied to other public service settings and how epistemic justice concepts can be included in more traditional trauma informed care models to encourage an ethic of listening that has political and social, in addition to therapeutic, outcomes.

Child Sexual Abuse by Fathers in India: Exploring the Layers of ‘Honour’ in Trials

ABSTRACT Feminist scholarship has devoted significant time and space to critiquing court judgments that make patriarchal-normative assumptions about consent, resistance to sex, ‘provocation’ of dress, habituation to sex, etc. in rape cases. Hence, this paper asks whether rape and sexual abuse trials would be devoid of patriarchy were it not for these routinely repeated patriarchal-normative scripts. It does this by looking at cases where allegations of consent to sex, blame for initiating sex, previous sexual encounter, clothing, and so on are not raised. To that end, this paper looks at Indian trial court judgments of child sexual abuse in which the child is a female and the accused is her father/step-father (CSAF). Judgments on CSAF, nevertheless, raise questions about sexual history, what establishes credibility, character, hostility, easy acquittal, etc. However, it would be reductive to view these questions as a simple reiteration of what emerges in most other rape cases. This is because what most significantly unfolds in CSAF cases are points of divergence from other cases of child sexual abuse and sexual abuse generally. These divergences lead to new questions: Whose sexual history is raked up? Whose character is assessed? How is rape disbelieved when consent becomes immaterial? What peculiarities lead to an acquittal? These divergences appear because the survivor of sexual abuse in all these cases was not simply a female, but a daughter. Interpreting these divergences, this paper articulates that concerns of ‘honour’ run through the process of legal adjudication in CSAF cases. The honour concerned is not only of the child who suffers abuse, but also her mother’s; the honour concerned is not only a person’s, but also the nation’s.

Child Maltreatment and Perceptions Related to Parenthood and Children’s Development Among Non-Parents

ABSTRACT Parents with a history of maltreatment are at risk for parenting challenges, although the inconsistent findings in the literature suggest that other variables are needed to better understand this relationship. It is critical to identify risk factors for parenting difficulties even prior to parenthood. Pre-parenthood beliefs and expectations remain stable, are tied to later parenting behaviors, and thus may reveal a potential point of prevention for later parenting difficulties. However, to date, childhood maltreatment has not been investigated in regard to parenting expectations and beliefs among non-parents. The aim of the current study was to determine whether forms of cumulative maltreatment was related to more negative expectations of parenthood (i.e. infant, partner, self, social) and children’s development among 477 non-parents (M = 26.49SD = 8.34; 70% female; 63.3% White). Levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and exposure to other traumatic events were also examined. Cumulative maltreatment was not associated with perceptions of parenthood nor with negative and unrealistic expectations about child development. Yet, greater levels of PTSS were tied to more negative parenting expectations in several domains (B = −.07 - −.14), which suggests that trauma symptoms, rather than maltreatment experiences, may be more detrimental to parenting expectations. Interestingly, greater exposure to other traumatic events were associated with more positive parenting expectations (B = .11–.13). These findings may speak to the resilience of maltreatment survivors, and trauma survivors in general, who are not suffering from PTSS with regard to expectations about parenthood.

Child Abuse: Perspectives from a Gendered Trauma-informed Lens

Child abuse that involves maltreatment of children by parents and/or trusted adults, including child sexual abuse can be conceptualized with the trauma-informed lens for both the survivor and the perpetrator. The trauma-informed lens is a significant departure from the prevailing DSM view of trauma and rests on the understanding of trauma being pervasive, undetected and disabling. Conventional clinical practices can be damaging to this already vulnerable group of service users. A paradigmatic shift is necessary in clinical services for child abuse survivors. The trauma-informed clinician takes a nuanced clinical perspective of the past that has survived into the present with an appreciation of survival mechanisms and constructs such as dissociation, attachment, relational trauma and development of the self. There is more importance on preventing retraumatizing and causing harm to the client, and avoiding mis-steps in the clinical interview. Resourcing, empowerment and a humane approach to the clinical rendezvous is recommended for the trauma-informed clinician engaged in working with survivors of child abuse. A gendered perspective that appreciates gender as a social construct and patriarchy as the mechanism that traumatized both the male and the female ideal enables clinicians to work with the survivor without othering the perpetrator. The article also addresses important considerations for working with survivors of child abuse, including betrayal trauma and the relational field in therapy.

Reconstruction of the Sexuality of Trafficked and Sexually Abused Survivors. Sexual Trauma and Sex Therapy

This paper focuses on the intricate process of reconstructing sexuality in the case of female survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse, presenting sex therapy as an effective therapeutic method that addresses the needs of these women. This paper investigates the profound impact of sexual trauma on victims, highlighting its long-term effects. Starting from the general context of trafficking and sexual abuse, the paper reveals the characteristics of these traumatic experiences and analyzes how they influence the survivor’s subsequent sexual relationships. Through sex therapy-based interventions, ways in which these women can regain control over their own bodies and sexuality are explored. By integrating current research and clinical practices, the paper aims to contribute to understanding the reconstruction of survivor’s sexuality. Additionally, this work emphasizes the imperative of ongoing research and policy development to support these highly vulnerable victims.

Foundations of the Positive Affect Tolerance Protocol: The Central Role of Interpersonal Positive Affect in Attachment and Self-Regulation

Research has highlighted the negative effects of early neglect and abuse on the development of emotional self-regulation and attachment. Attention has focused more on negative affect states related to past adverse and traumatic experiences than on the deactivating effects of the absence of early shared positive affect states from parent-infant play, warmth, and affection. Treatment strategies for survivors of early neglect and abuse have focused on methods to metabolize memories of traumatic events. Skills development models have emphasized the benefits of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindfulness training for patients with persistent negative affect states. Research on the benefits of therapeutic interventions intended to increase positive affect indicates they promote prosocial behaviors and creativity, broaden the scope of attention, reduce emotional symptoms and behavioral problems, and improve physical health. Within the field of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, procedures to increase positive affect have generally focused on resource development and installation procedures intended to increase access to positive affect-related memories and images. A neglected clinical issue is the inability of survivors of early neglect to tolerate and integrate actual positive interpersonal experience into positive emotional states, interpersonal scripts, or self-concepts. These deficiencies, characteristic of those with dismissing insecure attachment, help produce and maintain profound psychological, medical, and social problems that limit the ability of patients with these histories from progressing in psychotherapy. This article explores research supporting the potential benefits of an EMDR-related procedure, the positive affect tolerance (PAT) and integration protocol, along with possible mechanisms by which the PAT protocol in general, and its bilateral stimulation procedures, might produce clinical benefits for survivors of early neglect. Case vignettes illustrate the potential challenges of implementing and the potential impact of the PAT protocol. Research designs and assessment tools are described that could clarify the potential benefits of the PAT protocol compared to other treatments designed to increase positive affect.

Sex differences in the characteristics of stimulant offenders with a history of substance use disorder treatment.

We analyzed the results of a nationwide questionnaire administered to 699 stimulant offenders and examined sex differences in the association between various psychosocial problems and treatment history for substance use disorder. Based on their attributes, we predominantly evaluated the treatment and support provided to women with substance use disorder. The rates of childhood (before the age of 18) traumatic experiences (physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and neglect) and lifetime intimate partner violence were significantly higher in women than in men. The history of treatment for substance use disorder was also significantly higher in women than in men, at 15.8% for men and 42.4% for women [χ2 (1) = 41.223, p < 0.001]. Logistic regression analysis was performed using the treatment history of substance use disorder as the dependent variable. The results showed that treatment history was significantly associated with the total drug abuse screening test-20 score and suicidal ideation in men and with survivors of child abuse and eating disorders in women. A comprehensive assessment is required for several issues, such as child abuse, domestic violence, trauma symptoms, eating disorders, and drug problems. Moreover, an integrated treatment for substance use disorder, trauma, and eating disorders is required for female stimulant offenders.

Experiences of maltreatment in childhood are associated with increasing anxiety and lower body acceptance over pregnancy

ObjectivePrior studies have established that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors are at increased risk for anxiety during pregnancy. Less is known about the course of anxiety throughout pregnancy for CSA survivors as well as underlying mechanisms linking CSA and perinatal anxiety. We assessed change in anxiety over the course of pregnancy for CSA survivors and examined whether acceptance and awareness of pregnancy-related body changes mediated this change. Methods299 pregnant participants from two larger longitudinal cohort studies were grouped into CSA (n = 67), “other Maltreatment” (OM; n = 111); and “no abuse” (NA; n = 121) based on responses to the Adverse Childhood Events scale. We used a general linear mixed model with repeated measures to examine change in anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale) at two time points (MEGA = 26.2 weeks and 34.9) by abuse/maltreatment group and then examined whether group differences in anxiety were mediated by body awareness/acceptance (from Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale) using structural equation modeling. ResultsThe CSA group demonstrated higher anxiety at both gestational time-points and significantly greater increase in anxiety over gestation compared to OM and NA groups (F(1, 280) p = .046). CSA and OM groups reported significantly lower body acceptance than those without abuse/maltreatment (F(2, 287) = 3.486, p = .032). A small proportion of the total effect of CSA on change in anxiety (0.5%) was attributable to body acceptance. ConclusionPregnant CSA survivors experienced a greater increase in anxiety over pregnancy compared to other groups. Both abuse/maltreatment groups exhibited lower body acceptance, yet this contributed little to the association between CSA and anxiety.

Does resilience mediate the association between mental health symptoms and linguistic markers of trauma processing? Analyzing the narratives of women survivors of intimate partner violence.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious issue for women from all cultures and backgrounds. Studies on the negative consequences of violence suggest that women with a history of abuse are more likely to display depressive and PTSD symptoms. However, recent research has focused on the mechanisms underpinning resilience and the processing of traumatic memories, including linguistic markers and how they may reflect the mental health of traumatized individuals. In this study, we analyzed trauma narratives to investigate whether resilience mediates the impact of PTSD and depression symptoms on five trauma-processing mechanisms (cognitive processing, emotional processing, perceived threat to life, self-perspective, and integration of traumatic memories). Forty-three abused women (mean age = 38.74 years; SD = 9.41) wrote about their traumatic experiences and completed instruments assessing their levels of PTSD, depression, and resilience. We used LIWC software to analyze the women's narratives in terms of linguistic markers of psychological processing. Mediation analysis indicated that resilience fully mediated the impact of mental health symptoms on emotional processing, perceived threat to life, and integration of traumatic memories and partially mediated cognitive processing and self-perspective. We discuss the clinical implications of these findings, emphasizing the need to focus on the resources and strengths of women survivors of abuse in designing targeted psychological interventions.

Attachment Representations of Female Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Reflected in the Bird’s Nest Drawing Assessment

The study examined the Bird’s Nest Drawing (BND) of 14 adults who experienced child sexual abuse perpetrated by females, primarily their mothers. Descriptive analysis revealed the prevalence of insecure attachment and mainly an ambivalent representation. The drawings reflected vulnerability and under-protectiveness. Almost one-third of the drawings did not include caregiving and were suggestive of loneliness, abandonment, and rejection. When maternal caregiving was depicted, it was intrusive and characterized by a lack of separation, abandonment, or unsatisfying caregiving. The survivors’ narratives (n = 4) revealed themes of sadness, lack of protection, and vulnerability related to their mothers’ lack of competence. These findings suggest that the BND can serve as a valuable art therapy assessment tool to better understand attachment representations.