Examining Cultural, Social, and Self-Related Aspects of Stigma in Relation to Sexual Assault and Trauma Symptoms

Deitz, Mandi F.; Williams, Stacey L.; Rife, Sean C.; Cantrell, Peggy J.

doi:10.1177/1077801215573330

Cited by 45 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 50 publications

(71 reference statements)

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“…Most of the interviews described enacted social stigma; however, internalized shame and social isolation were also depicted. There is a growing body of literature on the influences of stigma, negative social attitudes, and low levels of social integration and cohesion on trauma symptom severity and mental health following violence [ 19 , 41 – 44 ]. Our study does not allow for conclusions about whether women who terminated SVRPs experienced more or less stigmatization within their communities since stigma from sexual violence, stigma from the SVRP, and stigma around pregnancy termination were not easily distinguishable in the interviews.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous research has demonstrated that social support is important in post-trauma adjustment after sexual violence [ 16 , 17 ]; as such, negative social reactions may impede post-traumatic growth [ 18 ]. While negative social reactions toward sexual violence survivors, such as stigmatization, have been shown to influence mental health and severity of trauma-related symptoms [ 19 – 21 ], there are limited data on psychosocial outcomes among women with SVRPs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, there are noted limitations of these assessments including limited cultural validity and constraints on discerning and inclusion of other psychosocial factors that may influence mental health. Furthermore, mental health assessments conducted post-trauma are often focused on the traumatic event, such as sexual violence, and fewer assess how the social environment influences psychological well-being following the trauma [ 19 , 20 ]. Qualitative data can provide further understanding of individuals’ experiences and inform mental health and psychosocial support interventions for sexual violence survivors in conflict settings and women with SVRPs [ 12 , 24 – 26 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

A qualitative analysis of psychosocial outcomes among women with sexual violence-related pregnancies in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Scott

Mullen

Rouhani

et al. 2017

Int J Ment Health Syst

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BackgroundSexual violence is prevalent in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has potentially devastating psychosocial consequences. Previous studies have reported on sexual violence and its impact on the mental health of survivors, but there are few studies conducted among women with sexual violence-related pregnancies (SVRPs). Women with SVRPs may be at greater risk of complex psychosocial outcomes, including social stigmatization. This study aimed to describe psychosocial outcomes among this subgroup of sexual violence survivors in order to inform future interventions.MethodsA mixed methods study was conducted in Bukavu, DRC in 2012 among adult women who self-reported an SVRP and either (1) were currently raising a child from an SVRP (parenting group) or (2) had terminated an SVRP (termination group). This manuscript presents qualitative findings from the mixed methods study. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and a proportion engaged in semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted by trained female interviewers. Thematic content analysis was conducted and key themes were identified.ResultsIn total, 55 women were interviewed, of whom 38 were in the parenting group and 17 in the termination group. Women with SVRPs experienced a myriad of emotional responses as they navigated their social environments following the SVRPs. Negative reactions, including social stigmatization and/or social rejection, toward women with SVRPs and toward children born from SVRPs were important influences on psychological well-being. Women expressed both internalized emotionality intertwined with externalized experiences in the social environment. Many women demonstrated resilience, or what could be termed post-traumatic growth, identifying avenues of agency to advance the social conditions for women.ConclusionsThe findings from the qualitative study, and in particular, the respondents’ needs and suggested strategies, may be useful to inform future research, programs, and policies for women with SVRPs in eastern DRC. Future research could move beyond cross-sectional assessments to utilize innovative research methodologies to assess processes of psychological adaptation among women with SVRPs. Multi-dimensional psychosocial programs for women with SVRPs should consider basic needs such as shelter, food, and health care within the broader framework of trauma-informed care. Participatory programming, guided by beneficiaries, could provide further avenues for agency to advance social conditions for women with SVRPs in eastern DRC.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

A qualitative analysis of psychosocial outcomes among women with sexual violence-related pregnancies in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Scott

Mullen

Rouhani

et al. 2017

Int J Ment Health Syst

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Furthermore, a number of studies have examined the effects of public or perceived stigma. Considering adults exposed to trauma, research has found that higher levels of stigma are related to poorer outcomes, including greater levels of M A N U S C R I P T SELF-STIGMA IN PTSD 5 depressive and PTSD symptoms (Deitz et al, 2015;Gonzalez et al, 2016;Kira et al, 2014;Wright et al, 2014). Further, stigma may negatively contribute to outcomes in this group, as a number of studies indicate that fear of stigma may contribute to hesitancy to seek support and treatment (Britt et al, 2008;Brown and Bruce, 2016;Fox et al, 2015;Pless Kaiser et al, 2016;Stecker et al, 2007;Stecker et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-stigma in PTSD: Prevalence and correlates

Bonfils

Lysaker

Yanos

et al. 2018

Psychiatry Research

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Self-stigma is the internalization of negative societal stereotypes about those with mental illnesses. While self-stigma has been carefully characterized in severe mental disorders, like schizophrenia, the field has yet to examine the prevalence and correlates of self-stigma in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, we assessed self-stigma in veterans diagnosed with PTSD and compared with veterans with schizophrenia. We further examined associations between PTSD, depressive symptoms and self-stigma in the PTSD sample. Data came from two larger studies of people with PTSD (n = 46) and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (n = 82). All participants completed the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS). Results revealed that people with schizophrenia report more experiences of discrimination as a result of stigma than do those with PTSD, but these diagnostic groups did not differ for other subscales. In the PTSD group, feelings of alienation positively correlated with PTSD and depressive symptoms; other subscales positively correlated with depressive symptoms only. Taken together, results suggest a significant level of self-stigma exists among veterans with PTSD, and that self-stigma has an effect on PTSD and commonly comorbid symptoms, like depression. Future work should investigate whether current self-stigma interventions for other groups could be applicable for those with PTSD.

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“…For example, secondary to experiencing interpersonal trauma, people may face impairments in their physical and spiritual health, as well as their cognitive development and engagement in the career development process (Banks, ; Pérez, Abrams, López‐Martínez, & Asmundson, ). Furthermore, it is often the case that people who experience interpersonal traumas experience a sense of betrayal, powerlessness, and stigmatization (Deitz, Williams, Rife, & Cantrell, ; Platt & Freyd, )—all of which have been identified as contributing to a distorted self‐concept and worldview (Walsh, Fortier, & DiLillo, ). Within their relationships, possible negative effects of interpersonal traumas include intimacy issues with partners and strained interactions with acquaintances and family members, including children (DiLillo, ; Henry et al, ; Owen, Quirk, & Manthos, ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of Relational‐Cultural Theory in Counseling Clients Who Have Traumatic Stress Disorders

Kress

Haiyasoso

Zoldan

et al. 2018

Jour of Counseling & Develop

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Counseling scholarship has increasingly demonstrated the utility of relational-cultural theory (RCT) in promoting the relationship-building and growth-fostering connections many clients require to manage problems in living. The authors applied RCT to counseling clients with traumatic stress disorders rooted in traumas of an interpersonal nature (e.g., child abuse, interpersonal partner violence, sexual assault). An overview of traumatic stress disorders and RCT, as well as the ways in which RCT can inform trauma conceptualization and treatment approaches with victims, is provided.

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Examining Cultural, Social, and Self-Related Aspects of Stigma in Relation to Sexual Assault and Trauma Symptoms

Cited by 45 publications

References 50 publications

A qualitative analysis of psychosocial outcomes among women with sexual violence-related pregnancies in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

A qualitative analysis of psychosocial outcomes among women with sexual violence-related pregnancies in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Self-stigma in PTSD: Prevalence and correlates

The Use of Relational‐Cultural Theory in Counseling Clients Who Have Traumatic Stress Disorders

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