College Women's Experiences of Psychological Maltreatment and Sexual Assault

• NCJ Number: 212066
• Journal: Violence and Victims Volume: 20 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2005 Pages: 577-587
• Author(s): Allison C. Aosved M.S.; Patricia J. Long Ph.D.
• Date Published: October 2005
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the levels of psychological maltreatment experienced in intimate relationships by women who had and had not been sexually assaulted.

Abstract

A total of 648 women were recruited from introductory college psychology classes and ranged in age from 17 to 49 years, with a mean age of 19.79 years. The Modified Sexual Experiences Survey was used to assess unwanted sexual contact. The yes/no questions assessed whether specific types of sexual activities had been attempted or completed with the participant since the age of 17. The Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory was used to assess psychological abuse by partners in romantic relationships. A total score reflected two aspects of psychological maltreatment: dominance-isolation and emotional-verbal abuse. To determine whether sexual assault survivors differed from nonvictims in self-reported experiences of psychological maltreatment, two t tests were conducted. Women who reported an assault perpetrated by an acquaintance (i.e., completed unwanted vaginal or anal intercourse, oral genital contact and/or object penetration, or kissing and/or fondling due to force or threat of force, continual arguments or pressure, misuse of authority, or inability to give consent due to alcohol or drugs) reported greater psychological maltreatment than nonvictims. Similarly, women who reported an assault by a stranger reported greater psychological maltreatment than nonvictims. These results may suggest that psychological maltreatment is a risk factor for sexual assault. Alternately, psychological maltreatment may not be a risk factor for assault but may occur simultaneously with the sexual assault or may arise subsequent to the experience of interpersonal violence. Clinicians who work with psychologically maltreated women should facilitate their increased assertiveness and the ability to set boundaries for their relationships. For men who engage in psychological maltreatment of women, clinicians should focus on their aggressive sexual behaviors. 3 tables and 13 references