The role of stigmatization in developing post-traumatic symptoms after experiencing child sexual abuse by a female perpetrator
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Abstract
Background: The context in which individuals are exposed to child sexual abuse (CSA) and
reactions to the disclosure of such abuse experiences play a major role in post-traumatic
mental health. Female-perpetrated CSA is an under-recognized issue in society and mental
health care, and is therefore supposed to be a breeding ground for stigmatization.
Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine the mediating role of internalized and
anticipated stigma on the effects of so-called victim-blaming experiences and the perception
of abuse in the childhood of survivors of female-perpetrated CSA on their post-traumatic
symptom severity.
Method: A total of 212 individuals who reported experiences of female-perpetrated CSA were
assessed in an anonymous online survey. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) served
as the primary outcome parameter for detecting differences in post-traumatic symptom
severity within mediation analyses, where victim-blaming and abuse awareness served as
predictors and anticipated as well as internalized stigma served as mediator variables.
Results: Internalized stigma fully mediated the deteriorating effect of victim-blaming on posttraumatic symptom severity, while abuse awareness and anticipated stigma showed no
statistically significant effects as predictor and mediator variables. Yet, victim-blaming had
a significant increasing effect on anticipated stigma.
Conclusions: Efforts to enhance awareness of female-perpetrated CSA in society are needed
and mental health care professionals should pay attention to the adverse effects of victim blaming and internalized stigma on post-traumatic symptoms in individuals affected by
female-perpetrated CSA.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
child sexual abuse, stigmatization, International Resources, Germany, PTSD, blame
Citation
Schröder, J., Kratzer, L., Yamak, Y., Briken, P., & Tozdan, S. (2021). The role of stigmatization in developing post-traumatic symptoms after experiencing child sexual abuse by a female perpetrator. European journal of psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1966982.