Sexual victimization and physical health: an examination of explanatory mechanisms.
There is a growing body of research illustrating a significant relationship between a history of sexual victimization and the development of physical health problems; however, few researchers have examined variables that mediate this relationship. The present study examined two potential mediating variables: experiential avoidance and current stress. Results indicated that current stress significantly mediated the relationship between adult sexual assault and physical health complaints, and experiential avoidance may be a partial mediator. Implications of the findings and future directions are discussed.
Palm
Kathleen M
KM
Department of Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, MA 01610, USA. kpalm@clarku.edu
Follette
Victoria M
VM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities