Longitudinal change in women’s sexual victimization experiences as a function of alcohol consumption and sexual victimization history: A latent transition analysis.

Abstract

Objective Women's alcohol consumption and vulnerability to sexual victimization (SV) are linked, but findings regarding the nature and direction of the association are mixed. Some studies have found support for the self-medication hypothesis (i.e., victimized women drink more to alleviate SV-related distress); others have supported routine activity theory (i.e., drinking increases SV vulnerability). In this study, we aimed to clarify the interplay between women's prior SV, typical drinking, and SV experiences prospectively over one year. Method Participants (N = 530) completed a baseline survey and weekly follow-up surveys across Months 3, 6, 9, and 12. Results Latent class analysis (LCA) suggested that women could be classified as victimized or non-victimized at each assessment month; 28% of participants were classified as victimized at one or more assessment months. Latent transition analysis (LTA) revealed that childhood sexual abuse and adult SV history each predicted greater likelihood of being victimized during the year. Typical drinking during a given assessment month was associated with (1) greater likelihood of victimized status at that assessment month and (2) greater likelihood of having transitioned into (or remained in) the victimized status since the previous assessment month. Furthermore, victimized status at a given assessment month predicted a higher quantity of subsequent drinking. Conclusion These findings indicate a reciprocal relationship between typical drinking and SV, supporting both the self-medication hypothesis and routine activity theory, and suggesting that hazardous drinking levels may be one important target for both SV vulnerability reduction and interventions for women who have been sexually victimized.

Patterns of childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence, emotion dysregulation, and mental health symptoms among lesbian, gay, and bisexual emerging adults: A three-step latent class approach

“…Fourth, the current findings are based on a cross-sectional design and, thus, preclude conclusions as to the precise nature and direction of the relation between patterns of CAN and IPV, and emotion dysregulation and alcohol use. Indeed, it is likely that this relation is bidirectional in nature, with victimization resulting in greater emotion dysregulation and alcohol use, and emotion dysregulation or alcohol use increasing the risk for future revictimization (Bryan et al, 2016). peer approval of dating violence also should be considered when in-person IPV is identified, given prior evidence that these adolescent experiences rather than childhood maltreatment may signal risk for adult IPV victimization (Herrenkohl & Jung, 2016).…”

A Randomized Clinical Trial Examining the Effect of Video‐Based Prevention of Alcohol and Marijuana Use Among Recent Sexual Assault Victims

“…SA can have long-term negative physical and mental health consequences including alcohol and marijuana misuse (Bryan et al, 2016, Long and Ullman, 2016). Substance use can have unique consequences for SA victims including increasing sexual revictimization risk (Hannan et al, 2015) and can complicate the course of other associated mental health consequences like posttraumatic stress disorder (Kaysen et al, 2011).…”

The role of social drinking factors in the relationship between incapacitated sexual assault and drinking before sexual activity

“…Most assaults are perpetrated by a man known to the victim (Fisher, et al, 2000) and up to 70% of sexual assaults on college campuses involve alcohol use by the victim, the perpetrator, or both (Reed et al, 2009). Research suggests that sexual assault increases subsequent drinking (Bryan et al, in press; Kaysen, Neighbors, Martell, Fossos, & Larimer, 2006; Lindgren, Neighbors, Blayney, Mullins, & Kaysen, 2012). Therefore, it is essential to examine potential mechanisms that explain this relationship.…”

“…typical frequency and quantity of drinking, and problem drinking) are positively associated with their sexual assault history (Burnam et al, 1988; Kilpatrick et al, 1992; Koss & Dinero, 1989; Siegel & Williams, 2003). Longitudinal research also suggests that sexual assault is associated with subsequent alcohol use and abuse (Bryan et al, in press; Gidycz, Hanson, & Layman, 1995; Kilpatrick, Acierno, Resnick, Saunders, & Best, 1997; Lindgren, et al, 2012). However, some longitudinal studies find no link between sexual victimization and drinking (Mouilso & Fisher, 2012; Testa & Livingston; 2000).…”