Perceived sexual control, sex-related alcohol expectancies and behavior predict substance-related sexual revictimization.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Although numerous studies have documented linkages between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and later sexual revictimization, mechanisms underlying revictimization, particularly assaults occurring in the context of substance use, are not well-understood. Consistent with Traumagenic Dynamics theory, the present study tested a path model positing that lowered perceptions of sexual control resulting from CSA may be associated with increased sex-related alcohol expectancies and heightened likelihood of risky sexual behavior, which in turn, may predict adult substance-related rape. METHODS: Participants were 546 female college students who completed anonymous surveys regarding CSA and adult rape, perceptions of sexual control, sex-related alcohol expectancies, and likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior. RESULTS: The data fit the hypothesized model well and all hypothesized path coefficients were significant and in the expected directions. As expected, sex-related alcohol expectancies and likelihood of risky sexual behavior only predicted substance-related rape, not forcible rape. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggested that low perceived sexual control stemming from CSA is associated with increased sex-related alcohol expectancies and a higher likelihood of engaging in sexual behavior in the context of alcohol use. In turn these proximal risk factors heighten vulnerability to substance-related rape. Programs which aim to reduce risk for substance-related rape could be improved by addressing expectancies and motivations for risky sexual behavior in the context of substance use. Implications and future directions are discussed.

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Published Version (Please cite this version)

10.1016/j.chiabu.2012.11.009

Publication Info

Walsh, Kate, Terri Messman-Moore, Noga Zerubavel, Rachel B Chandley, Kathleen A Denardi and Dave P Walker (2013). Perceived sexual control, sex-related alcohol expectancies and behavior predict substance-related sexual revictimization. Child Abuse Negl, 37(5). pp. 353–359. 10.1016/j.chiabu.2012.11.009 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/11247.

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Zerubavel

Noga Zerubavel

Assistant Consulting Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Noga Zerubavel, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and Assistant Consulting Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center, where she is involved in clinical education and research. She is involved in Trauma-informed Teaching and Learning in Education research project, supervises in Duke Family Studies, and participates in teaching for the clinical psychology predoctoral internship program. She is the former director of the Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Treatment (START) Clinic at Duke, where she led a trauma consultation team and supervised psychiatry residents and clinical psychology interns and fellows in trauma-informed psychotherapy. Dr. Zerubavel specializes in treatment of trauma survivors using empirically supported treatments, with an emphasis on contemporary CBTs and mindfulness-based psychotherapy. She also has expertise in addressing burnout and secondary traumatic stress, and individual and organizational practices for enhancing wellness and resilience. Dr. Zerubavel is active in providing trainings for mental health providers, social service administrators, and physicians and other health care providers.


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