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Exploring the sexual coercion and mental health among young female psychiatric patients in India

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  • Rai, Rashmi
  • Rai, Ambarish Kumar

Abstract

Globally, the research has consistently found that at least one-third and as many as three-quarters of women report a history of sexual coercion and associated cause for mental-health problem. The majority of the research on sexual coercion comes from developed countries. Women in India are 'taught' to be inferior to men, are expected to serve, obey and satisfy their husband’s sexual needs. Research exploring the subjective experience of coercion, the context in which it occurs and its consequences among women living in Indian society with a psychiatric disorder are urgently needed. Therefore, the current study uses a qualitative research design and phenomenological approach to explore the issues related to sexual coercion among Indian women living with a psychiatric disorder. Results illustrated psychiatric women (n = 168) reported that their husbands were the prime (50%) perpetrator. Further, teachers (25%), blood relatives (19%) and their friends (6.5%) followed the numbers of perpetrators. About 40% of respondents reported a history of sexual abuse before the age of 18, and 62% of women experienced marital rape. The childlessness of women also causes for sexual coercion. About three-fifth women never report such incidence of sexual coercion. Many women in India, with mental disorders, have been and continue to be exposed to sexual coercion. Interestingly, all women were facing this because they were women in a patriarchal society. In summary, concerted efforts at social, emotional and legal levels can bring change in the lives of Indian women and contribute to the improvement of the mental health of these women. The findings can be used in structuring culturally appropriate, but valid programs aimed at reducing both sexual coercion and the respective mental disorders. Further mixed method research is recommended to enrich and quantify our understanding.

Suggested Citation

  • Rai, Rashmi & Rai, Ambarish Kumar, 2020. "Exploring the sexual coercion and mental health among young female psychiatric patients in India," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:119:y:2020:i:c:s0190740920320296
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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