Ahlers, Maja (2023) Revictimization in Online Dating: Sex Motives and Protective Strategies in Childhood Sexual Abuse Victims. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Objective. Revictimization is commonly seen in victims of childhood maltreatment, meaning that they have a higher risk of being victimized later in life compared to people without such a history. It is still unclear whether this also applies to online dating and which risk factors mediate this association. This research, therefore, investigates the link between childhood maltreatment and adulthood victimization in the context of online dating, with sex motives as a mediator. The use of protective strategies is also assessed. Method. The final sample consisted of 408 heterosexual women between 18 and 35 years who used online dating applications in the past year. Childhood maltreatment severity, adulthood victimization severity, motives for engaging in casual sex and the use of protective strategies in online dating were assessed with an online survey. Results. Childhood maltreatment severity was positively associated with adulthood sexual victimization severity in-person and in cyber context. Engaging in casual sex to boost self-esteem and cope with negative emotions mediated this association. Victims of childhood maltreatment applied significantly fewer protective strategies when meeting an online dating match. Discussion. Victims of childhood maltreatment are at risk of being revictimized. One explanation for this association is more pronounced needs to use sex to boost self-esteem or to cope with negative emotions. Therefore, victims might use fewer protective strategies, thereby increasing the risk of being victimized. Future studies should conduct further research to establish effective prevention and intervention strategies. Keywords: childhood maltreatment, online dating, adulthood victimization, revictimization, sexual victimization, sex motives
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Fereidooni, F. and Karsten, J. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Jun 2023 10:11 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Jun 2023 10:11 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2002 |
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