Link between Sexual Abuse and Feelings of Shame in Victims

Link amongst internal execration and Feelings of pathos in VictimsWomen and Shame Exploring the Link amidst Sexual Abuse and the Shame Experienced by VictimsAbstractChange in the culture of the United States and other countries is allowing for much discussion on the topic of knowledgeable squall, scarce it has yet to become the norm. Survivors of versed villainy populate various negative consequences, including rape and posttraumatic stress disorder (posttraumatic stress disorder). Shame includes, besides is not limited to, smelling trapper, powerless, and disjunct (Brown, 2006). posttraumatic stress disorder experient by survivors of versed maltreatment washbasin choose one to withdraw and succumb to the negative and detrimental effects of familiar crime (Wilson & Scarpa, 2014). To reduce the severity of PTSD and combat the negative effects of outrage on those who see to it it, specifically effeminate survivors of sexual outrage, it is suggested that ther e be a focus on profound and fair connection provided by supportive women figures and other women who hurl experienced sexual vilification. This support, in addition to case-by-case and group psychotherapy, may provide the subscribe toed empowerment to overcome daunt and decrease PTSD symptoms experienced by survivors of sexual ill-usage. Women and Shame Exploring the Link Between Sexual Abuse and the Shame Experienced by VictimsSexual abuse is disturbingly prevalent,particularly among college students. The Ameri can buoy Association of Universities(AAU) found that the prevalence of sexual assault in college was 22.2% forundergraduate women, and, of the women who were in their senior year ofcollege, 27.2% distinguished having been sexually assaulted during their four years(Cantor et al., 2015). However, disclosing this instruction has not always beeneasy and still proves to be a challenge. It is a barrier that is at timesinsurmountable for victims of sexual abuse.Unfortun ately, in the United States today,and all around the world for that matter, the act of sexual abuse is nottabooexposing it and talking somewhat it is (Turner, 1993). Despite researchstatistics indicating that 16% of adult American women allow for experience abusebefore the age of 18 (Jackson, Calhoun, Amick, Meddever, & Habif, 1990),society has shied away from the discussion of sexual abuse become commonplacein America. Moreover, sexual abuse and its negative effects are all comprehend and prove difficult to overcome. Sexual abuse can get going to posttraumaticstress disorder (PTSD) and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sexual abusealso affects the relationships that survivors have with others. Survivors may happen that their experience is a private narrative that should not be sharedwith others, or they may be concerned that others may not think that what happenedto them was real rape or assault therefore, victims may not choose todisclose this experience to anyone (Filipas & Ullman, 2001). In order tochange this negative thinking, women need to provide secret and echtconnection to young-bearing(prenominal) abuse survivors that ordain allow them to disembodied spirit supported andempowered. Because touch sensations such(prenominal)(prenominal) as fear, assault, doubt, and confusion postabuse may lead to avoidance coping and a potential diagnosis of PTSD,understanding the negative effects of sexual abuse is vital to understandinghow supportive women can process female victims to overcome timbreing trapped,powerless, and isolated. According to the American PsychiatricAssociation (APA), PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in mint whohave experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, including rape or otherviolent personal assault (What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 2017). Peoplewho suffer from PTSD experience disturbing thoughts and go throughings related totheir traumatic experience for long periods of time after(prenominal) the ev ent has passed.A content through with(p) by Feiring and Taska (2005) found that women who had experiencedsexual abuse and reported high levels of shame after one year were at greaterrisk for experiencing high levels of shame after cardinal years, as well. This typeof residual shame is characteristic of PTSD in that survivors experience it forlong periods of time after their traumatic experience. If more can be done to answer survivors of sexual abuse within the first year after their experience,they may be empowered to combat the negative effects of shame and overcome thestatistics. This garter can be provided through support, understanding, patience,and providing a secure place for survivors of sexual abuse to share theirexperience. PTSD due to sexual abuse is not the onlypsychological disorder that affects victims. Research done by Molnar, Buka, andKessler (2001) found that sexual abuse occurring during childhood was highlycorrelated with the onset of 14 various psychological disorders in women. Inaddition, research done by Wilson and Scarpa (2014) indicated that childhoodsexual abuse is associated with higher gists of PTSD symptoms than otherforms of childhood abuse. When considering the implications of PTSD, the long effects it has on those suffering it, and the potential onset of 14various psychological disorders (Molnar, Buka, & Kessler , 2001), childhoodsexual abuse can lead to a long struggle with mental health and shame ifnot addressed. Female survivors of sexual abuse can receive the undeniablesupport through deep and sincere connection with other womenconnection that isneeded to combat PTSD. Sexual abuse is not a one-time action. Sexual abuse ofany type leaves one with feelings of worthlessness, shame, and insecuritiesthat take on intensive care and effort to overcome. Women cannot be left alonepost abuse to question their worth. Researchers have looked to strengthen thelink in the relationship betwixt shame and sexual assault in order to providemore clarity for those seeking answers. Studies demonstrated that shame isoften a mediator between an experience such as sexual assault and PTSD (DeCou,Cole, Lynch, Wong, Matthews, 2017). While few studies have been done to examinewhat role amicable connections play in the retrieval process, Hyman, Gold, andCott (2003) suggested that the most influential predictor of PTSDself esteemmight be able to offset feelings typically experienced with shame. Becauseshame is a mediator between sexual assault and PTSD, targeting it by means ofconnection will minimize its power and role in bringing those symptoms to theforefront. In addition, because 70% of sexual abusevictims will tell someone about their experiencetypically a friend (Fisher,Daigle, Cullen, & Tanner, 2003), overcoming the barriers that delaydisclosure may prove stabilising in providing a safer and more supportiveenvironment for survivors of sexual abuse. Survivors may be able to seek thesupport they need and share the motions that they are feeling in a much moreefficient manner (Ullman, Foynes, & Tang, 2001). Because of the precaution thatclose relationships can provide, the focus on their role in recovery essential beemphasized, because survivors can benefit by sharing the emotions of thatexperience instead of carrying them alone. One of the most prevalent emotions felt byvictims of sexual abuse is shame. Shame is an intensely painful feeling orexperience of believing one is flawed and therefore unworthy of acceptance andbelonging. This strong emotion can lead survivors to feel trapped, powerless,and isolated (Brown, 2006). No victim of sexual abuse should have to face theseexperiences and emotions alone. Although the shame experienced by femalevictims of sexual abuse can be a difficult psychological construct to measureconsistently across sample populations, deep and sincere connections amongwomen, along with individual and group psychotherapy, may play a vital role inempowering females to co mbat the negative effects of shame. Women who maintainsupportive interpersonal relationships post-abuse are uniquely empowered tofeel less trapped, powerless, and isolated. Interpersonal RelationshipsWhile those directly involved with sexualabuse are the full-strength victims, friends, peers, and family members to whom thisnegative experience is disclosed are also force by the negativeconsequences. Victims of sexual abuse are typically not prepared for what they experience,and neither are those they reach out to for support. Each person to whom thisinformation is disclosed responds differently. Wile the absolute majority tend torespond positively, there are some who do respond negatively (Ahrens &Campbell, 2000). Some results have shown that negative reactions include, butare not limited to, feelings sorry for the victims, blaming the assault on thevictim instead of the perpetrator, and minimizing the seriousness and effect ofthe event (Popiel & Susskind, 1985). This negative re tort typically comesfrom a place of unpreparedness. Sexual abuse has far-reaching effects, andthose who are indirectly affected (and their response to the survivors) shouldbe examined. By providing education to peers and familial supports, in additionto providing a safe place for survivors of sexual assault to disclose theirabuse experience, peers and familial supports will likely respond in a way thatfosters trust, confidence, and courage. According to George, Winfield, and Blazer(1992), the majority (59% to 91%) of sexual assault victims disclose the eventto family and friends because they view them as attentionful and/or supportive. Veryfew report the information to formal agencies such as the police, the hospital,or a formal rape center. Research done by Ullman (1996) tested friends of rapevictims and determined that participants did not feel more straiten thannormal when they were told their friend was a victim of sexual assault. Theresults further showed that the friends wer e angry at the perpetrator andwanted to seek revenge but otherwise retained positive feelings towards thesurvivor (Ullman, 1996). Because the results can vary from friend to friend, itis imperative that friends, family members, and supporters of survivors ofsexual abuse are educated on their role in the process of recovery and improve.Sexual abuse affects more than just those who experience it first hand, it alsoimpacts those who are trusted enough to help bear the weight and seriousness ofthis atrocious experience. Exploring shame, one of the consequences ofsexual abuse more thoroughly, will provide clarity to the healing process thatsurvivors of undergo and the important role that women play in empoweringfemale survivors to overcome their experience. Oftentimes, abuse-related shameis created by the secretive context under which it takes place, includingthreats to stay silent and not disclose the event to anyone and condemnationfrom the perpetrator towards the victim (Feiring & Taska, 2005). This shamecan then lead one to feel trapped, powerless, and isolated (Brown, 2006). Shamerequires a feel of self and an cleverness to compare oneself against a cultural measuring rod (Feiring & Taska, 2005). Having a better understanding of shamewill not only allow female survivors of sexual abuse to take steps towardshealing, but will also help peers, family members, and friends to supportsurvivors along this path. Feeling Less TrappedThe word trapped is often thought of in the context of not organism able to escape. Female survivors of sexual abuse often feel trapped by their experience. Researchers found that a consistent result of shame is an avoidance response so severe tat the individual prefers to hide rather than expose themselves (Barrett, Zahn-Waxler, & Cole, 1993). Additionally, shame promotes cognitive avoidance which is an intentional effort to avoid dealing with a stressor (Berliner & Wheeler, 1987). Because shame produces avoidance, both cognitively an d behaviorally, survivors, as well as those who support them, need to understand the significant effect that deep and sincere connections can have on survivors while working through abuse-related shame. Turner (1993) stated that the process of sharing feelings with others and realizing that other people feel the same way provides a sense of relief and makes people feel less frightened and not so alone (para. 12). Being able to reach out for help and seek connection, the setback of avoidance, will likely improve the survivors ability to overcome shame and empower her to fight the feelings of isolation that she experiences. Feeling Less PowerlessAs suggested by Brown (2006), sexual abusesurvivors find that producing effects strong enough to counter the shame causedby sexual abuse very difficult. Because shame produces so many emotions,survivors have difficulty feeling empowered enough to get to the core of theirabuse and commence healing. Survivors are often stuck in the substitute emotionsshame, guilt, anxiousness, helplessness, and hurt (E. Harwood, personalcommunication, November 1, 2017). In a study done by Berliner and Wheeler(1987), survivors of sexual abuse typically got to the core of their abuse andbegan healing by gradually exposing their abuse situation through talking aboutor abreaction, the expression andemotional discharge of repressed emotion (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017). Iffemale survivors of sexual abuse can experience abreaction, in addition to thesupport of deep and sincere connections with other women, then they may be ableto reach the core of their abuse and begin to explore to real emotions thatthey are feeling. Survivors will likely gain power over their abuse each timeit is exposed through the help of therapists, peers, and family supports.Survivors may begin to feel empowered and start to overcome the complexity ofthe shame that they experience. They may also find the power to keep seekingconnections necessary to overcome feelin gs of isolation. Feeling Less IsolatedTheconfusion, betrayal, and loneliness that survivors of sexual abuse experienceare conflicting emotions and tend to run deep. Because sexual abuse can come bymeans of close friends, family members, trusted individuals (or associates),isolation seems to be the fitting response when considering that a trustedperson could be the perpetrator of such acts. Survivors typically need torebuild trust, and this can be done through forming deep and sincereconnections with women among whom they feel comfortable or women who haveexperienced something similar. cryptic and Davis (1988) found that as women speakto each other about past traumatic experiences, they are able to put moredistance between themselves and the pain. That ability led survivors to feelless victimized and more connected with those to whom they were talking (Bass& Davis, 1988). If female survivors can come to trust the deep and sincereconnections the form with fellow traveler women, ten they will be able to feel lessisolated through talking about their experiences. In addition, survivors willlikely feel more empathy and sympathy from those around them and begin to feelthat they are not alone but rather surround by people who understand them andtheir experiences. They will begin to feel connected. Empowerment through ConnectionHuman bes thrive off of feelings of belonging. On Maslows Hierarch of Needs, theneed to belong is most important after basic needs and safety and security.Further, it is often said that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety butrather connection. If connection is powerful enough to help one to overcome oravoid addiction completely, how important is it then for one seeking toovercome the shame that comes from sexual abuse? Baumeister and Leary (2000)described the need to belong or need to develop and maintain meaningful socialbonds as a fundamental human motivation that lies beneath a numberless of humaninteraction and behavior(P). On that premise, the disposition for connection andfeelings of belonging come naturally and should not be ignored. In a study doneby Llabre and Hadi (1997) that examined children in Kuwait who had experiencedtrauma, data showed that girls who experienced trauma and perceived low levelsof support experienced the highest levels of PTSD symptoms. By providingsupport to female survivors of sexual abuse through deep and sincere connectionfrom fellow women, these PTSD symptoms may diminish. Whether survivors ofsexual abuse prefer avoidance or connection, as observed earlier, friends andfamilial support must be understanding. If the proper support can be given tovictims soon after the abuse occurs, then they symptoms of PTSD may decreaseand the natural desire for connection and belonging will likely be satisfied.That help alone may empower female survivors of sexual assault to push throughthe shame they feel and move forward through the process of healing. The needfor connection is not merely a d esire to have friends. Satisfying the need forconnection can help one to avoid depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The needfor connection also elicits goal-oriented behavior (Baumeister & Leary, 2000).In a study done on 160 women who had experienced sexual abuse in theirchildhood, women who perceived that they had social support reported asignificant reduction in depression and other symptoms of PTSD (Hobfoll et al.,2002). Knowing that a need for connection will inspire goal-oriented behaviorand combat depression, loneliness, and anxiety, support provided by women canhelp to counteract the feelings of isolation and powerlessness that femalesurvivors of sexual abuse experience. By building and strengthening deep andsincere connections, survivors will feel less isolated and be empowered tocombat the negative effects of shame. Sharing ExperiencesWhile group therapy and individual therapy are great additions to the therapeutic process, sharing the experience external of therapeutic gr oups is an additional support. According to a national study done in Sweden, 46% of all Swedish women surveyed had experienced some form of sexual violence since the age of 15 (Ormon, Sunnqvist, Bahtsevani, Tostensson Levander, 2016). Because of these results, further research was done in a womens general psychiatric clinic. The follow-up study found that women like to share their abuse experiences with their peers more so than with staff (Ormon, Sunnqvist, Bahtsevani, Tostensson Levander, 2016). This research demonstrated that survivors of sexual assault tend to be more willing to disclose their experience to trusted women or those who have experienced something similar. Because of this level of trust that is extended to those without therapeutic licensure, fellow women must be aware of the impact they have o those who wish to share their experiences. Deep and sincere connection outside of individual and group psychotherapy may supplement the help that is provided there. While res earch on the view point of friends and family is minimal, some research has been conducted on the matter. Ahrens and Campbell (2000) reviewed the responses of friends to survivors and found that those to whom the information is disclosed are conflicted by wanting to help and support but feel powerless and unhelpful. These same researchers surveyed college students again and found that women are more empathic, especially if they have their own history of sexual assault, blame the experience on the survivor less often than men, and see more positive changes in their relationship with the survivor (Ahrens & Campbell, 2000). Contrary to these findings, Banyard, Maynihan, Walsh, Cohn, and Ward (2010) cited significant responses indicating that friends to whom sexual assault is disclosed feel anger and distress. Because of the inconsistency in responses to sexual assault, there is a need to continue educating peer and familial supports on the role the play in the healing process. By provi ding this education and spending more time talking about their role, survivors may be able to find deep and sincere relationships with those to whom they disclose their experience to and will likely be able to overcome the shame that stems from sexual assault. ConclusionA community, a culture, a friend, or a family member that provides safety and refuge for survivors of sexual abuse is positioned at the forefront of changes that need to be made. Sexual abuse is experience by more friends and family than is made known and heavy and positive support is owed to them. While sexual abuse is an emerging topic in the world of open discussions, understanding the trail of negative effects that is left behind in its wake is only beginning to be explored. PTSD experienced by survivors of sexual abuse is long term and fosters feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. In addition, survivors that experience high levels of PTSD within the immediate year following their experience are likely to mai ntain that high level for a token(prenominal) of six years (Feiring & Taska, 2005). PTSD can also accompany 14 other psychological disorders that women are prone to develop after experiencing sexual abuse (Molnar, Buka, & Kessler, 2001). It is difficult and potentially impossible to determine a fix-all for symptoms and effects of PTSD, but it is not impossible to challenge it. PTSD can be challenged and combatted through deep and sincere connection that allows survivors of sexual assault to feel empowered, heard, and supported. Fortunately for survivors of sexual abuse, studies have also shown that they will often be positively received when disclosing their traumatic experience to friends, family, and trusted figures (Ahrens & Campbell, 2000). Unfortunately, there will be some who perceive them negatively, blame the vent on them, and cut off communication and support (Popiel & Susskind, 1985), but by allowing for sexual abuse to be a commonplace conversation and providing safe set tings for that to happen, the negative reactions be minimized further. With this positive support, female survivors of sexual abuse will begin to work through the negative effects of abuse-related shame feeling trapped, powerless, and isolated. Survivors of sexual abuse, women in particular, need each other. By providing deep and sincere connection to those effected by sexual abuse, they will likely feel empowered to overcome the shame that envelops them, because they will feel connected, they will feel included, and they will expose the abuse that they experienced. Additional research on the effects of deep and sincere relationships among women should be conducted to better understand their influence as more is being done to provide help for survivors of sexual abuse. Providing education on the importance of supportive peers and families and the positive effects that they have on victims may decrease the amount of psychological disorders and long-term effects that sexual abuse can leave in its wake. Research should therefore be done that explores more in perspicaciousness the emotion of shame and the role that it plays n recovery from sexual abuse. ReferencesAhrens, C. E., & Campbell, R. (2000). Assisting rape victims as they recover from rape The impact on friends. daybook of Interpersonal Violence,15(9), 959-986. inside10.1177/088626000015009004American Psychiatric Association. (2017). What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder? Retrieved from https//www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd Banyard, V. L., Moynihan, M. M., Walsh, W. 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Retrieved fromhttps//www.lib.byu.edu/cgi-bin/remote auth.pl?url=http//search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=1997-07861-004&site=ehost-live&scope=siteUllman, S. E., Foynes, M. M., & Tang, S. S. S. (2001). Benefits and barriers to disclosing sexual trauma A contextual approach.Journal of Trauma & Dissociation,11(2), 127-133. doi10.1080/15299730903502904Wilson, L. C., & Scarpa, A. (2014). Childhood abuse, perceived social support, and posttraumatic stress symptoms A moderation model.Psychological Trauma Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy,6(5), 512-518. doi10.1037/a0032635AppendixFigure 1. Type of response experienced by survivors of sexual assault when disclosing their experience to family and/or friends. Adapted from Assault-Related Shame Mediates the Association Between interdict Social Reactions to Disclosure of Sexual Assault and Psychological Distress, by C. DeCou, T. Cole, S. Lynch, M. Wong, & K. Matthews, 2017, Psychological Trauma Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, (2)9, p. 169.