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Publication Date

2017

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Study Type

Qualitative

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Sex crimes, Secondary traumatic stress, College students-Psychology, Self-disclosure, Sexual violence, Secondary victimization, Disclosure, Impact, College students

Abstract

The aim of this exploratory study was to identify factors that may contribute to the postdisclosure adjustment of college students who were either bystander witnesses to sexual misconduct, or who had a college peer disclose that they were the victim of sexual violence. A semi-structured phone interview was conducted with nine volunteers, age 20 to 24. The study explored immediate and lasting emotional impacts, effects on social and academic life, utilization of support services, and effects on substance use patterns of disclosure recipients. All nine participants reported some level of distress as a result of the disclosure, consistent with findings in other similarly exposed populations, suggesting that the notion of secondary victimization should be considered in future studies of this population. Findings from this study support the recommendation that further research be conducted to understand the cumulative impacts of secondary victimization within this emerging adulthood age group.

Language

English

Comments

iv, 60 pages : color illustration. Includes bibliographical references (pages 43-50)

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