Work

Identifying as a Survivor Versus a Victim After Sexual Violence Predicts Divergent Posttrauma Pathways

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The present study investigated social identification with “survivors” versus “victims” following sexual violence and the degree to which this predicted posttraumatic growth versus posttraumatic stress. Participants ( N = 290) were adult women who had experienced sexual violence. As predicted, cumulative sexual trauma was positively associated with symptoms of both posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth. Further, people who had experienced more cumulative sexual trauma were more likely to identify with victims, which in turn predicted posttraumatic stress. Similarly, people who had experienced more cumulative sexual trauma were also more likely to identify with survivors, and this in turn predicted posttraumatic growth.

Source: Violence Against Women

DOI: 10.1177/10778012241279817

Authors: Kate A. B. Western, Tegan Cruwys, Olivia Evans

Institution: Australian National University

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450