[Impact of moment of disclosure of a sexual assault on certain affective and relational aspects of adult victims]

Sante Ment Que. 2007 Spring;32(1):115-36. doi: 10.7202/016512ar.
[Article in French]

Abstract

This study examines if the timing of disclosure (early or late) of a sexual assault and if the romantic partner's participation in the study have an impact on relational and affective aspects of the victims at Time 1 (initial interview) and Time 2 (4 months later). The sexual assault occurred to victims (N = 27) between 1 month to 7 years prior to the first assessment interview. Twenty-six percent of victims were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Descriptive analyses indicate a difference between timing of disclosure and romantic partner's participation in the assessment process of the study. All victims indicate that they have received more emotional support at the second assessment in the study, whether they have disclosed the aggression early or lately. Victims have disclosed the assault early reported more depressive symptoms.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Sex Offenses / psychology*
  • Time Factors