This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by ULLMAN, S. E. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Correlates and Consequences of Adult Sexual Assault Disclosure

University of Illinois at Chicago

The present study investigated disclosure of sexual assault to members of one's social network in a convenience sample of sexual assault victims (N = 155) completing a mail survey. Three sets of correlates (demographics, assault characteristics, postassault experiences) of the timing of sexual assault disclosure and subsequent social reactions received from social network members were examined. Delayed disclosure was associated with childhood sexual assault history, completed rape, and avoidance coping, whereas early disclosure was associated with offender preassault alcohol use and postassault medical attention. Negative social reactions were more common among women who used avoidance coping and victims who told physicians or police about their assaults. Positive social reactions were associated with higher income, less physical injury due to the assault, less self-blame, less postassault distress, and saying that a friend/relative or a rape crisis center was helpful regarding the assault. Implications of these results for research and treatment of sexual assault survivors are discussed.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. E. Ullman, L. L. Starzynski, S. M. Long, G. E. Mason, and L. M. Long Exploring the Relationships of Women's Sexual Assault Disclosure, Social Reactions, and Problem Drinking J Interpers Violence, September 1, 2008; 23(9): 1235 - 1257. [Abstract] [PDF]

				H. R. Hlavka, C. Kruttschnitt, and K. C. Carbone-Lopez Revictimizing the Victims?: Interviewing Women About Interpersonal Violence J Interpers Violence, July 1, 2007; 22(7): 894 - 920. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. M. Long, S. E. Ullman, L. L. Starzynski, S. M. Long, and G. E. Mason Age and Educational Differences in African American Women's Sexual Assault Experiences Feminist Criminology, April 1, 2007; 2(2): 117 - 136. [Abstract] [PDF]

				B. Nagel, H. Matsuo, K. P. McIntyre, and N. Morrison Attitudes Toward Victims of Rape: Effects of Gender, Race, Religion, and Social Class J Interpers Violence, June 1, 2005; 20(6): 725 - 737. [Abstract] [PDF]

				E. Jonzon and F. Lindblad Disclosure, Reactions, and Social Support: Findings from a Sample of Adult Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Child Maltreat, May 1, 2004; 9(2): 190 - 200. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. M. Wasco Conceptualizing the Harm done by Rape: Applications of Trauma Theory to Experiences of Sexual Assault Trauma Violence Abuse, October 1, 2003; 4(4): 309 - 322. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. XENOS and D. SMITH Perceptions of Rape and Sexual Assault Among Australian Adolescents and Young Adults J Interpers Violence, November 1, 2001; 16(11): 1103 - 1119. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. E. ULLMAN and H. H. FILIPAS Correlates of Formal and Informal Support Seeking in Sexual Assault Victims J Interpers Violence, October 1, 2001; 16(10): 1028 - 1047. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. E. AHRENS and R. CAMPBELL Assisting Rape Victims as They Recover From Rape: The Impact on Friends J Interpers Violence, September 1, 2000; 15(9): 959 - 986. [Abstract] [PDF]