Why Women Are Not Talking About It: Reasons for Nondisclosure of Sexual Victimization and Associated Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression

Abstract

Disclosure of traumatic experiences is typically encouraged and associated with positive outcomes. However, there is limited research on nondisclosure of sexual trauma and consequent symptomology. This online study of undergraduate females examines reasons for nondisclosure and associated symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Of 221 participants who reported sexual victimization, 25% had not previously disclosed it. Four reasons for nondisclosure were identified: shame, minimization of experience, fear of consequences, and privacy. Nondisclosers who minimized the experience and nondisclosers low on shame reported fewer PTSD symptoms than disclosers. These findings suggest that reasons for nondisclosure are associated with symptomology.

Development of and Preliminary Evidence for a Psychological Service Barriers Measure Among College Sexual Assault Survivors

“…The final subscale, minimizing the assault, includes beliefs that minimize the seriousness of the assault and/or the psychological impact of the assault (e.g., not thinking it is bad enough to warrant using a resource). This subscale captures a service barrier that is very common among college sexual assault survivors (e.g., Carson et al, 2019; Holland & Cortina, 2017; Lindquist et al, 2016; Miller et al, 2011; Walsh et al, 2010).…”

Trauma and Psychosis: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Perspectives of People with Psychosis

“…Trauma-focused therapy has shown promising results [50], with no evidence that it could lead to re-victimization or the exacerbation of PTSD or psychotic symptoms [51]. For our participants, not being able to discuss trauma was potentially related to the development of their psychotic experiences, which has been found to be the case in other mental health conditions, as nondisclosure has been associated with higher PTSD symptoms and depression [52]. Trauma-informed approaches and trauma-focused interventions could be particularly useful and more acceptable for these participants who already see a connection between their past traumatic experiences and their symptoms of psychosis.…”

Sexual assault reporting amongst users of online sexual health services

“…14 Disclosure of traumatic events is typically associated with positive outcomes and survivors can experience intensification of psychological sequelae if they don’t receive adequate care after an assault. 24,25 SA survivors are receptive to being asked about sexual violence but are often not asked about it by healthcare professionals and are more likely to disclose when asked directly than to volunteer this information (82.5% vs 24.6%). 26 So unless we ask about SA, victims don’t get the support they need.…”

“…Many believe it was their own fault, others are fearful of consequences, therapist induced harm and secondary victimisation. 24 , 30–34 Some have concerns about privacy or confidentiality and others adopt ways of coping such as avoidance based coping or minimising the experience. 3 , 33 Lack of availability or suitability of support services, stigma that can perpetuate self-blame and shame, lack of time, are also factors preventing getting the right help.…”

“…3 , 33 Lack of availability or suitability of support services, stigma that can perpetuate self-blame and shame, lack of time, are also factors preventing getting the right help. 24 , 33 Further research is warranted to identify alternative or better methods of facilitating disclosures online and also signposting and/or referral to support services for those that do disclose, perhaps involving focus groups and SA survivors.…”