Unwanted Sexual Experiences Research Articles

College students’ perspectives on healing following an unwanted sexual experience

Sexual assault is a serious problem on college campuses that affects students of all genders. Following sexual trauma, students often report greater mental health problems, substance use, and in some cases revictimization. However, positive disclosure experiences have been shown to facilitate greater positive outcomes for victims. While research has focused extensively on the consequences of sexual trauma, few studies have focused on the process of healing. The current qualitative interview study assessed facilitators and barriers to healing following an unwanted sexual experience (USE) and examined participants’ views about their own healing process. The sample was comprised of female (n = 15) and male (n = 2) college students who self-identified as having a history of USEs. Data were transcribed and analyzed using the techniques of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings showed that students recognized more barriers to healing than facilitators of the healing process. However, having a positive disclosure experience and good social support were identified as the most beneficial facilitators of healing following a USE, and many of the barriers noted were factors that interfered with positive disclosure experiences and seeking and receiving social support. Finally, participants viewed healing as a highly individual and active process, suggesting that survivors must create their own path for healing and should never give up on the healing process. These findings emphasize the need for education and training to improve interpersonal communication among professionals, families, and peers in order to change conversations and stigma about USEs.

Predicting PTSD and Depression following Sexual Assault: The Role of Perceived Life Threat, Post-Traumatic Cognitions, Victim-Perpetrator Relationship, and Social Support

ABSTRACT Survivors of sexual assault have a high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but experiencing a sexual assault alone is not sufficient for the development of the disorder. This study examined the impact of other risk factors, including the impact of victim-perpetrator relationship context (i.e. trust, importance, and closeness), perceived life threat, perceived betrayal, posttraumatic cognitions, and trauma-related social support on PTSD and depression symptoms. One hundred twenty-seven female undergraduates who self-identified as “having an uncomfortable, negative, or unwanted sexual experience” completed multiple self-report measures. Victim-perpetrator relationship variables were not associated with PTSD or depressive symptoms. Perceived life threat, perceived betrayal, and posttraumatic cognitions were all related to PTSD symptom severity. However, results from hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that when perceived life threat and posttraumatic cognitions were included in the model, perceived betrayal no longer predicted PTSD symptoms. Implications for understanding the role of posttraumatic cognitions in PTSD and depression symptoms are discussed.

National Prevalence of Sexual Violence by a Workplace-Related Perpetrator

Workplace sexual violence is not a new phenomenon but has received increased attention recently with the re-emergence of the #metoo movement. Gaps exist in the understanding of the prevalence of this problem in the U.S., its perpetrators, and its impacts. Using 2010-2012 data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (22,590 women and 18,584 men), this study examined the prevalence of several types of sexual violence by a workplace-related perpetrator (authority figure or nonauthority figure) and numerous impacts of the violence, including psychological impacts, safety concerns, and missing days of work or school. Data were analyzed in 2018. In the U.S., 5.6% of women (almost 7 million) and 2.5% of men (nearly 3 million) reported some type of sexual violence by a workplace-related perpetrator. Almost 4% of women (3.9%) reported sexual violence by nonauthority figures and 2.1% reported authority figures; 2.0% of men reported sexual violence by nonauthority figures, and 0.6% reported authority figures. For women, the most commonly reported sexual violence type was unwanted sexual contact (3.5% of women); for men, it was noncontact unwanted sexual experiences (1.3% of men). An estimated 1 million women (0.8%) have been raped by a workplace-related perpetrator. For women and men, fear was the most commonly reported impact of workplace-related sexual violence. These findings suggest that workplace prevention efforts that do not address different components of workplace harassment may not be adequate to address all forms of sexual violence occurring across the U.S. in the workplace context.

Sleep consequences and depressive and anxiety symptoms in a population of collegians who have lived an unwanted sexual experience - exploratory study

Sleep consequences and depressive and anxiety symptoms in a population of collegians who have lived an unwanted sexual experience - exploratory study

The Association Between Gender Inequality and Sexual Violence in the U.S.

Few societal-level factors are established as risk or protective factors for sexual violence. Traditional gender norms and gender inequality are linked to sexual violence, but much of this research was conducted internationally or is becoming outdated and may not reflect current norms in the U.S. This study expands on previously published research by examining gender inequality's association with state-level sexual violence. Using state-level prevalence estimates published in the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2010-2012 State Report and the Gender Inequality Index, Pearson correlations were examined to investigate the relationship between state-level gender inequality and lifetime victimization for various types of sexual violence among U.S. female and male adults. The analysis was conducted in 2019. Findings indicate that states with a high degree of gender inequality also report higher prevalence estimates among women for rape using physical force. Gender inequality was also negatively correlated with noncontact unwanted sexual experiences among women and men. In addition, an exploratory analysis of the relationship between individual indicators of gender inequality and violence outcomes suggest that the adolescent birth rate, female government representation, and labor force participation demonstrate an association with certain state-level violence outcomes, although the patterns were inconsistent. Although this study relied on cross-sectional data, collectively, these findings suggest that gender inequality may represent an important societal-level factor associated with sexual violence among women and men. However, this relationship appears complex and requires further research. These findings have potential to inform population-level violence prevention approaches.

Undergraduates' Disclosures of Unwanted Sexual Experiences: Who, Why, and When?

This study evaluated patterns of sexual assault disclosures as well as the response and impact of that response on assault survivors. The sample consisted of 217 undergraduates with a history of sexual assault (89.5% female, 76.5% Caucasian). Participants reported the order in which they disclosed and the nature and impact of the response they received. Results indicated that the majority of participants told close peers first and perceived the first response to be supportive. These findings are encouraging but also demonstrate the need for improving the response that an assault survivor receives.

Unwanted sexual experiences and retraumatization: Predictors of mental health concerns in veterans.

Repeated exposure to traumatic events has consistently been shown to negatively impact mental health functioning; however, the role of timing of such events has received less attention. The present study evaluated the role of trauma that has occurred prior to military service, during service, and across both points in contributing to the most common and deleterious mental health concerns experienced by military personnel: posttraumatic stress, depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts. Utah and Idaho National Guard personnel (n = 997) completed online self-report questionnaires of their current posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms, as well as history of potentially traumatic experiences, suicidal thoughts, and actions. Results indicated that history of trauma across time points is associated with negative outcomes across each of these outcomes, with the exception of suicide attempts. Exploratory analyses further revealed that unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experiences (not sexual assault) is the most robust predictor of negative outcomes, with approximately 2 to 7.5 times increased risk for PTSD, depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts. The present findings suggest that individuals with history of trauma prior to military service are at increased risk for developing clinically significant mental health problems if exposed to additional potentially traumatic experiences. Further, other unwanted sexual experiences appear to be particularly detrimental to mental health functioning. Potential implications for military recruitment and conceptualization of traumatic events are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

From Freewill to Force: Examining Types of Coercion and Psychological Outcomes in Unwanted Sex

Unwanted sex is sex that is not fully desired, whether an individual agrees to it or not. It can be coerced—when one person compels another unwilling person—or not coerced—when a person willing agrees to participate. Experiencing unwanted sex, especially when coerced, has been associated with negative psychological outcomes. Researchers have created severity continua of coerced sex based on type of coercion used, but relative severity of outcomes across the range of unwanted sex has not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to identify types of coercion experienced in unwanted sex and evaluate differences in psychological outcomes as a function of type of coercion experienced. Participants (N = 276) provided narrative descriptions of an unwanted sexual experience. Three categories of coercive tactics and two categories of unwanted but non-coerced sex were identified. Differences across categories emerged for the following outcomes: PTSD symptoms, perpetrator blame, situational blame, societal blame, negative thoughts about the self, negative thoughts about the world. Individuals who experienced actively forced sex reported significantly more symptoms than individuals who experienced other types of unwanted sex on most measures. These results are a first step in better understanding the psychological influence of the entire range of unwanted sexual experiences.

Hope and Fulfillment After Complex Trauma: Using Mixed Methods to Understand Healing.

Research has shown that the experience of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) can increase the rates of physical and emotional sequela, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and physical pain. However, little is known about the healing journeys for those women who, after surviving CSA, also experience unwanted sexual experiences (USE) as a young adult. The goal of this mixed method study is to compare identity, distress, and positive health outcomes for survivors of CSA and USE with those of women who have survived USE alone. First, 206 women completed a survey that evaluated mental health distress, trauma centrality, and health indicators, and these women were invited to take part in an additional interview. A subsample of 24 women agreed to be interviewed with a narrative interview that examined trauma recovery from a holistic perspective. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed contextual and internal barriers and facilitators of healing. Eight qualitative dimensions were derived from code frequencies of the emerging 50 qualitative codes, including Normalization, Denial, Negative Impact, Positive Coping, Rumination, Identity Healing, Hope, and Fulfillment Healing, and Engagement Healing. We then used t-tests to compare the mean code frequencies of these code complexes for survivors of CSA/USE and USE alone, and the significant findings revealed hypotheses to be tested in the larger quantitative sample. H1: Survivors of CSA will have less denial than USE alone; H2: Survivors of CSA will have higher Negative Impact scores than USE alone, and H3: Survivors of CSA will have more Hope and Fulfillment than USE alone. H1 was supported; survivors of both CSA and USE had a significantly higher mean Centrality Scores than Survivors of USE alone. H2 was supported, and all negative impact scores were significantly higher for the survivors of both CSA and USE than survivors of USE alone. H3 was partially supported. Survivors of both CSA and USE had significantly higher mean Post-Traumatic growth scores. However, survivors of USE alone had significantly higher means for Sense of Coherence and Self-Compassion scores. Implications for practice are discussed.

Sexual victimization against transgender women in prison: Consent and coercion in context

AbstractIn this article, we conjoin two long‐standing lines of inquiry in criminology—the study of prison life and the study of sexual assault—by using original qualitative and quantitative data from 315 transgender women incarcerated in 27 California men's prisons. In so doing, we advance an analysis of the factors and processes that shape their experience of sexual victimization in prison. The results of qualitative analysis of 198 reported incidents of sexual victimization exhibit a range of types of sexual victimization experienced by transgender women in prison and reveal the centrality of relationships to their experiences of victimization. Findings from logistic regression models buttress the qualitative results, highlighting a factor that consistently and powerfully indicates vulnerability to sexual victimization is involvement in consensual sexual relationships with male prisoners. Together, the data demonstrate the prominence of intimate partner violence in prison, complicate the distinction between consent and unwanted sexual experiences in the lives of transgender women in prisons for men, and shine a light on the workings of gender in a total institution that privileges heteronormativity at the expense of the safety of transgender women in prisons for men. We discuss the implications of our findings in light of timely policy concerns.

Sexual Victimization and Sexual Harassment among College Students: a Comparative Analysis

Sexual victimization, defined as non-contact unwanted sexual experiences (e.g., sexual harassment), unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, forcible rape, or alcohol- or drug-facilitated assault or rape, is nontrivial among the college study population. This study explores how the situational contexts, which include self-reported consequences and responses to victimization, compare between incidents of non-contact sexual harassment (SH) and contact sexual victimization (CSV) (e.g., unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, and rape). Conjunctive analyses compare the commonality and variation among situational contexts of incidents of SH and incidents of CSV from a sample of survivors from 24 different colleges. Both forms of sexual violence negatively impact college students. Respondents who experienced SH only (i.e., did not also experience CSV) in the past year and those who experienced contact CSV only (i.e., did not also experience non-contact SH) in the past year both reported negative outcomes associated with the victimization, but it was more common for survivors of SH only to report being intimidated and feeling uncomfortable in their environment at the college. The implications of this study are twofold. First, scholars should ensure that research on the negative effects of CSV does not come at the expense of other forms of sexual victimization. Second, practitioners, campus services, and prevention programs should acknowledge both contact and non-contact sexual victimization in programming and services in order to buffer the negative effects resulting from victimization.

PS-06-004 Psychosexual correlates of unwanted sexual experiences in women consulting for female sexual dysfunction according to their timing across the life span

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of unwanted sexual experiences (USEs) in a setting of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and to examine whether they are associated with different psychosexual parameters depending on the timing of occurrence. A consecutive series of 200 heterosexual women attending our clinic for FSD was consecutively recruited. Patients underwent a structured interview and completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ), the Female Sexual Distress Scale Revised (FSDS-R), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire (CECA-Q). 47 women (23.5%) reported USEs, occurring in childhood (<14 years), adolescence (<17 and ≥14), and adult life (≥17) in 38.3% (n=18), 31.9% (n=15), and 29.8% (n=14) of cases, respectively. We observed an association between history of lifetime USEs and indexes of psychopathology, specifically diagnosis of psychiatric diseases, use of psychiatric medications, and anxiety symptoms (MHQ free-floating anxiety score, MHQ-A). USEs were associated with lower orgasm ability (FSFI orgasm domain), higher sexually related distress levels (FSDS-R total score), and higher body image concerns (BUT) including depersonalization symptoms. Notably, women exposed to USEs in adolescence reported a stronger impairment of arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains and higher sexual distress when compared to women without a history of USEs or reporting USEs in childhood. Women exposed to USEs in childhood exhibited higher body image concerns and depersonalization symptoms when compared to those not reporting USEs.

Demedicalizing the Aftermath of Sexual Assault: Toward a Radical Humanistic Approach

An entrenched assumption in the mental health field is that if left “untreated” the aftermath of sexual assault will inevitably lead to some diagnosable form of emotional distress. This assumption has focused the search for pathology on individual survivors rather than systems and led to societal pressure for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment following unwanted sexual experiences in the United States and globally. Humanistic psychology is grounded in an existential phenomenological approach that privileges agency and a sociopolitical context of lived experience. As such, it has great overlap with the social justice mission of liberation psychology and is well equipped to respond to sexual assault survivors and the oppressive and patriarchal systems that perpetuate gender-based violence. This article explores the rising use of neoliberal medicalized frameworks to respond to sexual assault in therapy, analyzing both positive and negative aspects of medicalization. Implications for responses to the global prevalence of sexual violence are discussed. Suggestions for alternative epistemic and therapeutic approaches that can be used by humanistic psychologists and that aim to enhance an appreciation for the context of survivor’s experiences are provided.

Psychosexual Correlates of Unwanted Sexual Experiences in Women Consulting for Female Sexual Dysfunction According to Their Timing Across the Life Span

BackgroundComparative data on the psychopathologic and sexual correlates of unwanted sexual experiences (USEs) occurring during childhood, adolescence, or adult life are lacking. AimTo investigate the prevalence of USEs in a setting of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and to examine whether they are associated with different psychosexual parameters depending on the timing of occurrence. MethodsA consecutive series of 200 heterosexual women attending our clinic for FSD was consecutively recruited. Main Outcome MeasurePatients underwent a structured interview and completed the Female Sexual Function Index, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised, the Body Uneasiness Test, and the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse questionnaire. USEs were classified as occurring in adult life (≥17), adolescence (<17 and ≥14), or childhood (<14 years). Results47 women (23.5%) reported USEs, occurring in childhood, adolescence, and adult life in 38.3% (n = 18), 31.9% (n = 15), and 29.8% (n = 14) of cases, respectively. We observed an association between history of lifetime USEs and indexes of psychopathology, specifically diagnosis of psychiatric diseases, use of psychiatric medications, and anxiety symptoms (Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire free-floating anxiety score). USEs were associated with lower orgasm ability (Female Sexual Function Index orgasm domain), higher sexually related distress levels (Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised total score), and higher body image concerns (Body Uneasiness Test) including depersonalization symptoms. Notably, women exposed to USEs in adolescence reported a stronger impairment of arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains and higher sexual distress when compared to women without a history of USEs or reporting USEs in childhood. Women exposed to USEs in childhood exhibited higher body image concerns and depersonalization symptoms when compared to those not reporting USEs. Clinical ImplicationsUSEs should be investigated in women consulting for FSD because patients who had USEs may require unique strategies to optimize the diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of their sexual symptoms. Strength & LimitationsOur main contribution is that we addressed the different impacts of USEs depending on their timing across the life span. However, the cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow determination of the cause-and-effect nature of the associations, and the selectivity of the sample (women consulting for FSD) limits the generalizability of the results. ConclusionThe negative outcomes of USEs vary according to their timing of occurrence: adolescence appears as the most sensitive temporal window for USEs to exert their deleterious effects on female sexuality, whereas childhood USEs are more tightly related to a severe body uneasiness in adult life.Maseroli M, Scavello I, Campone B, et al. Psychosexual Correlates of Unwanted Sexual Experiences in Women Consulting for Female Sexual Dysfunction According to Their Timing Across the Life Span. J Sex Med 2018;15:1739–1751.

The Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in Adolescence in Suriname

ABSTRACTStudies conducted to ascertain the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the Caribbean are poorly synthesized. Present study reports on the lifetime and year prevalence of unwanted sexual experiences, the risk of CSA at different ages within adolescence, and differences between the three largest ethnic groups in Suriname. One thousand one hundred and twenty (1,120) adolescents completed a questionnaire on child maltreatment, including CSA. The study’s stratified sample consisted of students (ages 12 to 17) from five districts in Suriname. More than 16% of all boys and 15% of all girls indicated that they had been exposed to some form of CSA in the past 12 months. Girls reported significantly more intrafamilial CSA by a minor than boys. Boys reported significantly more experiences of being touched or forced by a minor outside the family to look at/touch the abuser’s private parts than girls. Besides, 16 and 17-year olds were the most vulnerable. An increased risk of CSA (year prevalence) was found as adolescence progresses. A significant portion of CSA constituted peer-to-peer sexual victimization. Afro Surinamese adolescents were found to report the highest rates of CSA. Appropriate legislation, policies, and services for prevention and recovery are needed in Suriname.

Female Nursing Students' Experience With and Exposure to Sexual Assault.

The study aims to describe the prevalence of sexual violence experienced by nursing students and to understand nursing students' practices and attitudes toward working with patients with this trauma history. A convenience sample (n = 75) of female nursing students from the United States completed the Life Events Checklist and responded to statements about their practices and attitudes. Over a quarter (26.7%) experienced an unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experience. Of the 18.7% who were sexually assaulted, more than half also experienced physical assault and more than 70% reported other unwanted sexual experiences. Largely, students believed that screening patients for trauma is important (88.7%); yet, most (73.2%) felt unprepared and approximately 60% had not been taught how. This knowledge can aid nursing educators in understanding their students' life experiences so issues can be addressed in safe learning environments and practices and attitudes related to screening and caring for patients can be highlighted. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(11):662-667.].

Negative Cognitions Following Distressing Unwanted Sex: The Role of Coercion Severity and Perceived Consent.

Findings from past research suggest that unwanted sex (i.e., sex that is not fully desired) can result in a variety of outcomes, ranging from positive to negative. Some research has demonstrated that more severe coercion within unwanted sex is associated with more negative cognitions (particularly self-blame) following the unwanted sex, but findings are inconsistent. Previous research also has demonstrated that individuals' perceptions of how much they consented to sex-regardless of the level of coercion-are associated with negative cognitions. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential moderating role of perceived consent in the relationship between sexual coercion severity and negative cognitions following unwanted sex. Participants (N = 196) who had had a distressing unwanted sexual experience provided descriptions of their most distressing experience, rated their perceptions of how much they consented to this experience, and completed a questionnaire measuring the amount and content of negative cognitions they experienced following this experience. Two independent raters coded descriptions to determine coercion severity. Results demonstrated that perceived consent significantly moderated the relationship between coercion severity and two types of negative cognitions: characterological self-blame and negative thoughts about the world. This suggests that individuals' perceptions of their consent are often as important as the level of coercion involved in predicting cognitive outcomes of unwanted sex.

Unwanted Sexual Experiences in University Settings: Survivors’ Perspectives on Effective Prevention and Intervention Strategies

ABSTRACTUnwanted sexual incidents on university campuses pose significant public health and safety risks for students. This study explored survivors’ perspectives on secondary prevention of campus sexual assault and effective strategies for intervention programs for unwanted sexual incidents in university settings. Twenty-seven student survivors of unwanted sexual experiences participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and a constructionist perspective. The findings were contextualized using the ecological model. Barriers to reporting included concerns about one’s story not being believed, personal minimization of the incident, belief that no action will be taken after reporting, confidentiality concerns, and other perceived costs of reporting. Survivors provided valuable insight on potentially effective prevention and intervention strategies to address the problem of unwanted sexual incidents on university campuses. These findings may be useful for prevention and intervention policies and programs in university settings and for providers who assist survivors of unwanted sexual experiences.

Resource Use After Unwanted Sexual Experiences in Undergraduates: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Factors Related to the Decision to Seek Help.

The risk for sexual victimization in college is high, and although there can be significant mental and physical consequences for the survivor, resource utilization for this issue is extremely low. The current study used the frameworks of both the ecological model and the theory of planned behavior to examine factors related to resource use in undergraduate survivors of unwanted sexual experiences. The sample consisted of 217 undergraduates who reported at least one unwanted sexual experience while in college (89% female, 76.5% Caucasian, M age 19.6). Data were collected in an online survey from a private liberal arts college, and were analyzed using decision tree modeling. Results suggested that resource use was less related to demographic or event characteristics, but rather related to victim response to the event as well as perceptions about control over potential resource use. In addition to key assault prevention efforts, it is thus important to also support survivor mental health and self-efficacy postassault.

Asian American Women Sexual Assault Survivors’ Choice of Coping Strategies: The Role of Post-Assault Cognitive Responses

ABSTRACTEven though approximately one in three Asian American (AA) and Pacific Islander women experience sexual assault victimization, there is a dearth of literature examining how AA women sexual assault survivors cope with this traumatic experience. This study examined AA female sexual assault survivors’ choice of coping strategies post-assault and how their cognitive responses toward sexual assault victimization (e.g., attributions of self-blame, perceived control over the recovery process) relate to their use of coping strategies. Using the AA subsets of two large community studies, a total of 64 AA women ages 18 to 58 with unwanted sexual experiences after the age of 14 years were included in the analyses. Results indicated that AA survivors used Acceptance and Self-Distraction the most to cope with sexual assault. In addition, those who perceived they had less control over their recovery process tended to use more maladaptive coping strategies, such as substance abuse and behavioral disengagement (e.g., giving up). The discussion includes clinical implications and recommendations for using language, modalities, and foci of interventions that are consistent with clients’ and their families’ worldviews (e.g., indirect inquiries, solution-focused).