Keywords

Sexual, Assault, Violence, Relationships, Identity

Abstract

The current study aimed to examine the effect of sexual assault on identity and interpersonal relationships. Although previous studies have examined the connection between sexual assault and interpersonal relationships following assault, there is a lack of research that examines possible gender differences. Further, the effect of sexual assault on identity has been understudied. Male victims are less likely to report their assault for various reasons. Therefore, it is important to focus on this demographic so their stories and experience do not go untold, and they can get the proper help and resources. College students (N= 505) completed an anonymous online survey battery for course credit. Males who had been raped scored higher on fear of Intimacy than women that had been raped. Males who had been raped also scored higher on lack of identity, however, females who had been non-physically assaulted and physically assaulted without penetration scored higher on lack of identity than males in the same categories. Social support mediated the relationship between gender and fear of intimacy, sexual aversion, relationship avoidance, and relationship anxiety among sexual assault victims. Further results are reported and discussed.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Berman, Steven

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Clinical Psychology

Degree Program

Clinical Psychology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028377

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028377

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

May 2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Campus Location

UCF Sanford/Lake Mary

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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