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Oueis J, McKie RM, Reissing ED. A Qualitative Account of Coping Following Non-Consensual Sexual Experiences among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:414-426. [PMID: 37310380 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2220694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sexual consent among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) has not been thoroughly documented in the academic literature. Research has suggested that GBMSM incur a greater risk for experiencing non-consensual sexual experiences (NSEs) compared to heterosexual, cis-gendered men. Despite the high prevalence of NSEs impacting this population, little research has been conducted on how GBMSM cope after NSEs. The purpose of this study was to examine how GBMSM cope following NSEs. Responses were analyzed from 206 GBMSM, aged 18-77 (M = 31.84), recruited across Canada. Participants completed an online survey, answering open-ended questions on experiences of NSEs and how they coped afterward. Guidelines for thematic analysis were followed to analyze the responses, indicating that GBMSM cope both maladaptively (e.g., avoidance, withdrawal from social networks and sexual relationships) and adaptively (e.g., seeking therapy, social support) following NSEs. Some participants were affected by and needed to cope with their NSEs over a longer term (e.g., ongoing rumination, enjoying sexual and intimate relationships less). Participants used a range of coping skills and showed openness to reach out for help from formal and informal sources, but also noted that resources were not always accessible or culturally sensitive to GBMSM's needs. Responses are discussed in the context of barriers to effective coping, such as perceptions of masculinity and maladaptive sexual scripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Oueis
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa
| | - Raymond M McKie
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa
| | - Elke D Reissing
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa
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2
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Anderson JC, Nguyen MU, Huynh W, Sharif K, Moret JED. Enhancing Campus Safety: Exploring Student Perspectives on a Text Message-Delivered Intervention for Addressing Sexual Violence and Alcohol Use. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2024; 20:30-42. [PMID: 38019029 PMCID: PMC10922041 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-related sexual violence, including sexual coercion, nonconsensual contact, and rape, is prevalent on college campuses. AIM The purpose of the study was to investigate college students' feedback and recommendations regarding content for a text-message-delivered harm reduction intervention to jointly address alcohol use and alcohol's role in sexual violence risk. METHODS This qualitative thematic study used focus groups and individual interviews to collect feedback from 61 college students between February 2019 and July 2020. RESULTS Targeted recruitment resulted in a sample that was nearly half queer/ lesbian, gay, bisexual (46.2%) or trans* (9.8%) identified students. Participants endorsed text messaging as an effective way to reach college students but diverged in specific content they felt was relevant and appropriate for a universal education intervention. Students preferred content describing individual strategies versus those requiring collaboration from friends or potential sex partners. Students also preferred content phrased as suggestions or questions versus declarative statements. Although most participants recognized the value of content related to consent, sexual violence, sexual health, and resources, a few male-identifying participants failed to recognize that content as important to their experience. Maintaining brevity while discussing consent in the overlapping settings of drinking and interpersonal relationships was described as a particular challenge. IMPACT OF THIS WORK ON CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT AND FORENSIC NURSING Students in our sample highlighted the challenges of sharing sexual violence and alcohol-related harm reduction text messaging because of the complexities of rape culture, consent, and interpersonal dynamics during college student drinking events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn C. Anderson
- Associate Professor; College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Science; 4301 West Markhan Street, Slot 529, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Meghan U. Nguyen
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Wendy Huynh
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Khadeeja Sharif
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Jessica E. Draughon Moret
- Associate Professor; Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis @DrDraughon
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Kilpatrick DG, Hahn CK. Understanding and Addressing Alcohol and Sexual Violence: We Have Made Progress but Still Have Miles to Go. NEBRASKA SYMPOSIUM ON MOTIVATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-24426-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Bird ER, Stappenbeck CA, Blayney J, Kaysen D, George WH. Examination of Sex-Related Distress and Self-Medication Drinking Model in U.S. College Women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:1192-1200. [PMID: 35275036 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2044444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Adult sexual assault (ASA) in college remains a concern. Consequently, many college-aged women experience negative emotions surrounding sexual activity (sex-related distress). Consistent with self-medication theory, some drink to cope with sex-related distress, which may reduce distress, but lead to greater drinking quantity before sex and negative sexual consequences. How women with ASA histories navigate sexual situations and cope with sex-related distress is under researched. We examined ASA, sex-related distress, and drinking to cope motives to understand correlates of drinking before sex. First and second year college women (n = 300) reported on a recent sexual experience in the past six weeks. In the full sample, ASA severity was associated with a greater likelihood of drinking before sex, while general sex-related distress was associated with a lower likelihood. General sex-related distress was associated with event-specific sex-related distress and sexual consequences. There were no differences in number of pre-sex drinks or subjective intoxication during sexual activity based on ASA. In a subsample of women who drank before sexual activity (n = 179), drinking to cope with sex-related distress motives mediated the association between sex-related distress and sexual consequences. Interventions can draw on these findings to target self-medication drinking in consensual sexual situations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica Blayney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
| | - Debra Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University Medical Center
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Prego-Meleiro P, García-Ruiz C, Sanz-Pareja M, Recalde Esnoz I, Quintanilla MG, Montalvo G. Forensic intelligence-led prevention of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 337:111373. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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6
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de Waal MM, Christ C, Messman TL, Dekker JJM. Changes in Risk Perception After Sexual Victimization: Are We Following the Right Track? JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP11699-NP11719. [PMID: 31096834 PMCID: PMC9251736 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519848790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sexual abuse is a major public health concern with detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Several studies have reported that victims of sexual abuse have a decreased ability to recognize risk in potentially threatening situations compared with nonvictims, although others were not able to replicate this finding. In addition, although emotion dysregulation has been linked to risk perception and sexual victimization, results have been contradictory. To strengthen the theoretical framework needed for the development of interventions to reduce women's likelihood of sexual assault, it is crucial to further examine the role of emotion dysregulation in relation to sexual victimization history and risk perception. The aim of the current study was to examine cross-sectional associations between sexual victimization, emotion regulation difficulties, and risk perception. In our sample of 276 female college students, 40% reported lifetime sexual victimization, 14% reported recent sexual victimization, and 12% reported childhood sexual abuse. In contrast to our hypothesis, we did not find risk perception to be related to lifetime sexual victimization, childhood sexual victimization, or recent sexual victimization. In addition, we did not find evidence for the expected relationship between sexual victimization, risk perception, and emotion regulation difficulties. The discussion of the current study specifically highlights the need for a clear conceptualization of risk perception and provides recommendations for future studies. More sophisticated measurement methods could lead to a higher applicability of findings to real-life situations. The potential relationships between victimization, risk perception, and emotion dysregulation need further clarification to reach the ultimate goal of contributing to the prevention of victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen M de Waal
- Department of Research, Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Christ
- Department of Research, Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, GGZ inGeest, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jack J M Dekker
- Department of Research, Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Sell NM, Testa M. Is bringing one's own alcohol to parties protective or risky? A prospective examination of sexual victimization among first-year college women. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:968-972. [PMID: 32693704 PMCID: PMC7856164 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1791883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study assessed whether college women who bring their own alcohol to parties (BYOB) are less vulnerable to sexual victimization (SV). Participants: Participants were 652 female freshmen (M age = 18.04 years) at a large, public university. Methods: Women were recruited by email to complete online surveys of their drinking-related behaviors and sexual experiences in September (T1) and November (T2) of their first college semester. Results: Approximately 47% of our sample reported BYOB. Women who reported BYOB more frequently at T1 were more likely to report SV at T2 when accounting for risk factors, including prior SV, heavy episodic drinking, and hookups. Specifically, BYOB predicted contact and rape, but not coercion. Conclusions: Findings suggested BYOB does not prevent college SV, but rather may increase risk. We encourage college health professionals and researchers to target BYOB to better understand this common behavior and help students recognize potential for associated harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole M. Sell
- Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions and Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
- For comments and further information, address correspondence to Nichole M. Sell, PhD, Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA ()
| | - Maria Testa
- Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions and Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
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Testa M. What Are the Chances? Perceived Risk of Sexual Victimization for Self and Others Among College Women. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2022; 37:141-162. [PMID: 35165164 DOI: 10.1891/vv-d-20-00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Awareness of vulnerability to a negative outcome is considered a necessary first step to risk reduction and prevention behaviors. Accordingly, sexual assault awareness programs have sought to inform college students of the prevalence of college sexual victimization and the risk factors that contribute. The goal of the current study was to consider the degree to which incoming college freshman women recognize their risk of experiencing sexual victimization and to examine whether risk factors such as alcohol use contribute to those perceived chances. Freshman women (N = 252) were recruited via email early in the Fall semester to participate in an online survey. As expected, women perceived their own chances of sexual victimization (21.4%) to be lower than those of the average freshman at the same university (43.7%). Prior sexual victimization, typical drinking, and expected hookups predicted higher perceived risk of being victimized. Only prior victimization predicted higher perceived risk of sexual victimization for others. On average, freshman women acknowledge their substantial risk of experiencing sexual victimization during their first year of college and overestimate the chances that others will be victimized. Findings show high awareness of sexual assault and its risk factors among college students but point toward a need for prevention that goes beyond education and awareness campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Testa
- Department of Psychology, Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo
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Abiodun O, Sodeinde K, Bamidele F, Ojinni Y, Adekeye J, Ohiaogu F, Mbonu F. Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Accessing HIV-Care Services at Tertiary Hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria: Implications for Policy and Practice. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:58-78. [PMID: 32108537 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520909189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence is both a predisposing factor for and sequelae of HIV infection. It is more likely for HIV-positive women to experience intimate partner violence compared with HIV-negative women. Previous researches have described the other risk factors for intimate partner violence. This cross-sectional study identified the correlates of intimate partner violence among HIV-positive women accessing HIV-care. We interviewed 458 women accessing HIV-care at the three tertiary hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. Trained research assistants conducted 10-min structured interviews with validated questionnaires. We carried out descriptive, bivariate, and regression analyses. We used the backward elimination technique to build a model to predict the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) within the preceding 12 months. We set the level of significance at .05. A total of 23 (5.02%) participants reported IPV within the preceding 12 months, while the prevalence of lifetime intimate partner violence was 24.02%. Younger age, the experience of IPV in previous relationships, and having multiple sex partners were related to the experience of IPV within the preceding 12 months (p < .05). Also, the partners' age, alcohol intake, and current smoking status were associated with the experience of IPV within the preceding 12 months (p < .05). After regression analysis, participants' age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.892, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.831, 0.957]), experience of IPV in previous relationship (AOR = 12.841, 95% CI = [4.303, 38.318]), and partners' current smoking status (AOR = 4.874, 95% CI = [1.252, 18.969]) retained association with the experience of IPV within the preceding 12 months. IPV among HIV-positive women accessing HIV-care occurs in a complicated, context-specific way. Routine HIV strategies and services should include interventions that involve men and address gender power imbalances. For effectiveness, specific interventions must consider women's' specific context and characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olumide Abiodun
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
- Center for Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Yejide Ojinni
- Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
| | - John Adekeye
- Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
| | - Faith Ohiaogu
- Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
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Kirwan M, Lanni DJ, Nagy S, Pickett SM. Building a Model to Predict Sexual Assault Victimization Frequency Among Undergraduate Women. Violence Against Women 2021; 28:1925-1946. [PMID: 34229524 DOI: 10.1177/10778012211022777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has identified several factors, including sexual risk behaviors, alcohol consumption, sexual refusal assertiveness, impulse control difficulties, drinking to cope, and sex to cope, as being associated with sexual assault victimization. Data were collected from 465 adult, undergraduate women, and analyzed using structural equation modeling to determine how these variables related to one another. Results showed that together, these factors predicted 17.1% of the variance in victimization frequency. These findings may help future researchers better understand the etiology of sexual assault victimization on college campuses and prove crucial to the development of future intervention programs which reduce victimization.
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Prego-Meleiro P, Montalvo G, Quintela-Jorge Ó, García-Ruiz C. An ecological working framework as a new model for understanding and preventing the victimization of women by drug-facilitated sexual assault. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 315:110438. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Increasing awareness of the severity of female victimization by opportunistic drug-facilitated sexual assault: A new viewpoint. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 315:110460. [PMID: 32858463 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The victimization of women by opportunistic drug-facilitated sexual assault in leisure contexts was studied in this work by applying a novel approximation. A multifocal analytical strategy based on an intersectional gender-sensitive approach was used to analyse the evidence coming from both forensic case studies and contextual studies about sexual interrelation and drug use. The process of victimization comprises social changes affecting consumption patterns and sexual interaction, intersecting in the hegemonic recreational nightlife model. However, victims experience a range of situations that make it difficult for them to self-acknowledge themselves as such. Widespread myths about the victimization process add to the social questioning faced by victims, stemming from gender-based double standards which condition the expected female behaviors regarding the use of drugs and sexual interaction. The victims usually experience amnesia, lack of injuries and emotional harm, which make difficult the self-acknowledgement as a victim of sexual assault and the reporting of the episode suffered. Consequently, it is an urgent public health need to implement a new viewpoint about the victimization of women by opportunistic drug-facilitated sexual assault in leisure contexts, able to increase awareness of the severity of this form of sexual violence. Society must recognize the existence of this problem within itself to help victims to acknowledge themselves as such, lodge a complaint and seek adequate help. The lack of this social support feeds the perpetuation of the victimization process, which exacerbates the risk of locking victims into spirals of cyclical re-victimization and favors both the underreporting as well as inadequate coping strategies. In addition to focusing on the need to increase awareness of the severity of female victimization by opportunistic drug-facilitated sexual assault in leisure contexts, other recommendations include the use of the term "take advantage", the development of specific criminal approaches, and the in-depth knowledge of the phenomenon via victimization surveys. These steps are necessary for developing well-targeted and evidence-based preventive measures consistent-with-reality.
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