(PS1-C69) Sexual Trauma and Self-efficacy for Help-seeking in Dating Abuse

Introduction: One-third of women and one-quarter of men have experienced sexual violence (i.e., rape) during their lifetime (CDC, 2021), with a higher prevalence of other unwanted sexual experiences. Many of these sexually violent experiences occur in dating relationships and may also include other forms of dating violence, which is much more common (Taquette et al., 2019). Within these abusive relationships, 60% of victims and 79% of perpetrators will not seek help for dating violence and among those who did, they more often only sought help from friends and family members rather than professionals (Ashley et al., 2005). However, little research exists connecting the history of lifetime sexual abuse and subsequent dating abuse help-seeking behavior during young adulthood. 

Methods: Young adult participants (N=196, 75.5% women; Mage=22.79 years; 71% White, 16% Black, 5% Asian, 6% Latinx, and 7% MENA) completed measures on sexual violence experiences (i.e., sexual assault or rape; uncomfortable sexual experiences) and self-efficacy for help-seeking as a) victim or perpetrator or b) bystander to manage dating abuse. Independent t-tests were used for the analyses.

Results: Participants who experienced sexual assault reported significantly less self-efficacy for help-seeking for themselves as the victim or perpetrator (M=2.78; t(114)=-2.16, p=0.042, d=0.57) than those who did not experience sexual assault (M=3.18). Similarly, those who experienced uncomfortable sexual experiences reported significantly less self-efficacy for help-seeking for dating abuse for themselves as a victim or perpetrator (M=2.86; t(44.58)=2.20, p=0.033, d=0.49) than those who did not (M=3.22). However, there were no differences between individuals who experienced either sexual assault or uncomfortable sexual experiences for self-efficacy to seek help as a bystander of dating abuse and those who did not experience it. 

Conclusions: These findings contribute to the existing literature by linking how lifetime experience of sexual assault or other unwanted sexual experiences decrease self-efficacy for help-seeking in subsequent dating abuse relationships. Sexual violence prevention programs should target teaching help-seeking skills for both sexual violence and also dating abuse. Future research can contribute by exploring what underlying reasons hamper self-efficacy in individuals with a history of sexual assault and other unwanted sexual experiences. Cognitive-behavioral therapists should incorporate these findings (for example, by self-efficacy building in patients with a history of sexual assault or uncomfortable sexual experiences) in their therapy sessions..