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College students’ perspectives on healing following an unwanted sexual experience

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Abstract

Sexual assault is a serious problem on college campuses that affects students of all genders. Following sexual trauma, students often report greater mental health problems, substance use, and in some cases revictimization. However, positive disclosure experiences have been shown to facilitate greater positive outcomes for victims. While research has focused extensively on the consequences of sexual trauma, few studies have focused on the process of healing. The current qualitative interview study assessed facilitators and barriers to healing following an unwanted sexual experience (USE) and examined participants’ views about their own healing process. The sample was comprised of female (n = 15) and male (n = 2) college students who self-identified as having a history of USEs. Data were transcribed and analyzed using the techniques of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings showed that students recognized more barriers to healing than facilitators of the healing process. However, having a positive disclosure experience and good social support were identified as the most beneficial facilitators of healing following a USE, and many of the barriers noted were factors that interfered with positive disclosure experiences and seeking and receiving social support. Finally, participants viewed healing as a highly individual and active process, suggesting that survivors must create their own path for healing and should never give up on the healing process. These findings emphasize the need for education and training to improve interpersonal communication among professionals, families, and peers in order to change conversations and stigma about USEs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge our participants, who were willing to share their personal beliefs and experiences surrounding this sensitive and often difficult topic. We also thank the VOICE Center at Montana State University for their guidance and support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Montana State university, 319 Traphagen Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA

    Julie A. Gameon, Amanda N. Lahiere & Monica C. Skewes

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  1. Julie A. Gameon
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  2. Amanda N. Lahiere
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  3. Monica C. Skewes
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Correspondence to Julie A. Gameon.

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Gameon, J.A., Lahiere, A.N. & Skewes, M.C. College students’ perspectives on healing following an unwanted sexual experience. Curr Psychol 40, 2570–2580 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00619-1

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