Childhood Sexual Abuse and Sexual Revictimization: The Mediating Roles of Risk Recognition and Motives for Sexual Risk-Taking

Göl, Selin (2024) Childhood Sexual Abuse and Sexual Revictimization: The Mediating Roles of Risk Recognition and Motives for Sexual Risk-Taking. Master thesis, Psychology.

Text MA Thesis - Selin Göl S3412857 (2).pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (896kB)

Abstract

Victims of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at elevated risk of sexual victimization in adulthood. Nevertheless, research on the underlying mechanisms is limited and inconsistent. Previous studies provide support for the risk factors of risk recognition, motives for sexual risk-taking, and risky sex behavior. Yet these variables have previously been studied in isolation. The current study aimed to test a model proposing three pathways. First, CSA correlates with adulthood sexual victimization. Second, CSA links with motives for sexual risk-taking, which in turn relates to risky sex behavior, and subsequently adulthood sexual victimization. Third, CSA is linked to risk recognition, which in turn is related to risky sex behavior, and subsequently adulthood sexual victimization. The sample included 2,156 predominantly German and Dutch female college students. Risk recognition was measured using a threat response latency paradigm, while all other variables were assessed through questionnaires. The overall model fit was poor, while CSA severity was directly associated with sexual victimization in adulthood. Moreover, CSA was significantly related to motives for sexual risk-taking, which in turn was significantly related to risky sex behavior, which subsequently was significantly related to adulthood sexual victimization. However, CSA was not significantly related to risk recognition, and the association between risk recognition and adulthood sexual victimization was also non-significant. Overall, the findings suggest CSA victims might not have difficulty recognizing threat cues, but have motives (e.g. reducing negative affect) to engage in risky sexual behavior. Thus, sex motives and risky sexual behavior might be promising candidates for prevention programs. Keywords: Revictimization, Child Sexual Abuse, Adulthood Sexual Abuse, Risk Recognition, Motives for Sexual Risk-Taking, Risky Sex Behavior

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Fereidooni, F.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	18 Jan 2024 14:15
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2024 14:15
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2998

Actions (login required)

View Item