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Positive and negative adjustment and social support of sexual assault survivors
Author(s) -
Borja Susan E.,
Callahan Jennifer L.,
Long Patricia J.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20169
Subject(s) - psychology , social support , sexual abuse , clinical psychology , posttraumatic stress , posttraumatic growth , association (psychology) , suicide prevention , sexual assault , injury prevention , human factors and ergonomics , poison control , psychiatry , medicine , social psychology , medical emergency , psychotherapist
Abstract The roles of positive (i.e., growth) and negative (i.e., posttraumatic stress symptoms and general symptomatology) adjustment following adult sexual assault experience(s) were examined using a standardized definition of abuse. These reactions were explored in association with positive and negative support from formal and informal providers. Finally, using standardized measures, the collective impact of positive and negative support, formal and informal support were investigated in predicting positive and negative psychological adjustment. Both forms of informal support were found to be associated with positive outcomes. Only negative informal support was associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms. First responders should consider whether support resources are appropriate to victims' needs.