title: Factors associated with long-term depressive symptoms of sexual assault victims.
abstract: Of 63 sexual assault victims who were a mean 7.9 years postevent, almost two thirds (60%, n = 38) demonstrated some degree of depression. Over half (56%, n = 35) the sample also reported a history of childhood sexual abuse. Three factors had a significant positive association with higher levels of depression: nondisclosure of the assault to significant others due to concerns about stigma; the presence of children living with the victim; and a civil lawsuit pending. One factor, currently being sexually active, had a significant negative association with depression. Results are discussed from the perspective of depression, a common pathway by which unresolved sexual trauma is expressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0482.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mackey
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Sereika
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Weissfeld
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Hacker
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Zender
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Heard
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence