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Sexual Victimization Disclosure: A Cluster Analysis Approach to Understanding Victimization Experiences in Disclosers and Non-Disclosers

Author

Listed:
  • Kaitlin Walsh Carson

    (Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
    Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA)

  • Sara Babad

    (Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
    Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA)

  • Mahathi Kosuri

    (Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
    Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA)

  • Mikell Bursky

    (Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
    Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA)

  • Victoria Fairchild

    (Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
    Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA)

  • Usha Barahmand

    (Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA)

  • Elissa J. Brown

    (Child HELP Partnership, St. John’s University, Queens, New York, NY 11439, USA)

  • Valentina Nikulina

    (Psychology Department, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
    Psychology Department, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11367, USA)

Abstract

Research has used cluster analysis to identify clusters, or groups, of sexual victimization survivors who share similar assault experiences. However, researchers have not investigated whether disclosure status is a key component of the survivors’ experience. The current study identified two clusters among 174 disclosing and non-disclosing sexual victimization survivors. Cluster One ( n = 74) included an incapacitated assault by a lesser-known perpetrator and disclosure of the event. Cluster Two ( n = 100) included a verbally instigated assault by a well-known perpetrator and nondisclosure of the event. Follow up independent t -tests revealed that women in Cluster One had significantly higher depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than women in Cluster Two. Results support prior research identifying clusters of victimization based on assault characteristics and suggest that disclosure status is a key variable in the recovery process. Specific implications for clinicians, policy makers, and the community are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaitlin Walsh Carson & Sara Babad & Mahathi Kosuri & Mikell Bursky & Victoria Fairchild & Usha Barahmand & Elissa J. Brown & Valentina Nikulina, 2021. "Sexual Victimization Disclosure: A Cluster Analysis Approach to Understanding Victimization Experiences in Disclosers and Non-Disclosers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:11919-:d:678371
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