Factors associated with long-term depressive symptoms of sexual assault victims.
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.
Mackey
T
T
Department of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0482.
Sereika
S M
SM
Weissfeld
L A
LA
Hacker
S S
SS
Zender
J F
JF
Heard
S L
SL
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