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Background Meta-analyses have confirmed an association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and non-suicidal and suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB), yet the mechanisms linking these factors are, to date, poorly understood. The goal of the current study is to explore one potential influencing factor acting in the association between CSA and SITB, which is the disclosure experience. Disclosure has been identified as a prominent factor in the healing process of survivors, with a lack of support following disclosures heightening negative outcomes. Exploring the impact of CSA disclosure on SITB is necessary to build effective prevention and intervention strategies. Methods This qualitative study is part of a larger initiative spanning diverse research sites in Canada and in Ireland and aiming to lend voice to young people who were sexually abused in childhood/adolescence. Participants were recruited from community-based sexual abuse/assault agencies, hospital-based specialized clinics and child advocacy centres. The Long Interview Method, based on a branch of phenomenology, was used to guide research design and data collection. The current thematic analysis, informed by a stress-diathesis model, is based on a sample comprised of 21 ethnically diverse youth aged 15 to 25 who self-reported a sexual abuse experience in their childhood or teenage years and who, as part of the interview on their disclosure processes, revealed past or current SITB. Results The thematic analysis led to the identification of four main themes that both confirmed past research and conceptual models on SITB, and provided new insights. Participants perceived a clear link between their CSA experience and SITB and other mental health issues. They offered their views on the meanings of SITB for CSA victims: to cope with abuse; to end the abuse; to express self-hatred and loneliness; and to let people know about their suffering. They described how negative disclosure experiences led to more nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Yet, participants also revealed that receiving support for their SITB created opportunities for CSA disclosure and support. Conclusions This study showed complex connections between CSA experiences, disclosure and nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Understanding the reciprocal influences between SITB, CSA disclosure and help-seeking could better equip mental health professionals and caregivers to provide support and foster healing and recovery in CSA victims.

Introduction: Gender and gender role pain expectations may influence how health care providers interact with and manage their patients' symptoms. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe gendered traits and gender role pain expectations among physical therapy students. Method: A survey assessing gendered traits and gender role expectations in relation to pain was completed by a sample of 171 physical therapy students (120 women, 51 men). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and differences between men and women were tested with chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis. Results: Men and women in physical therapy training were not different on 13 out of 16 of the gendered traits. The exceptions were that men rated themselves as more "decisive" compared to women (mean rank = 103.8 vs. mean rank = 78.4, P = 0.001) and women rated themselves as more "emotional" (mean rank = 91.95 vs. mean rank = 72.01, P = 0.009) and more "nurturing" (mean rank = 90.89 vs. mean rank = 72.91, P = 0.020).No significant differences were found in terms of gendered expectations of pain sensitivity, endurance, or in terms of personal experience of pain between the men and women in the sample. However, the majority (75%) of participants reported that women were more willing to report pain compared to men. Finally, both groups rated themselves as no different in handling pain compared to a typical man or woman. Conclusion:In conclusion, men and women in training to be physical therapists demonstrate similar gendered trait profiles and little gender bias in relation to pain expectations.

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