ABSTRACT

While most sexual assaults are committed by a sole perpetrator, multiple-perpetrator assaults (MPSAs) still occur. However, less is known about their post-assault impacts. This study examined demographic, assault, and post-assault characteristics as correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms in a community sample of adult sexual assault survivors who experienced MPSA (N = 350) in the Chicago area. This study also included demographic and assault characteristics of perpetrators as reported by survivors. Backward regression analysis showed that stressful life events, more violent assaults, post-assault maladaptive coping and characterological self-blame, and receiving acknowledgement without support (e.g. acknowledging the assault happened, but giving inadequate support) reactions were related to greater PTSD symptoms. Older age and greater perceived control over recovery were associated with fewer PTSD symptoms. Greater violence, maladaptive coping, and characterological self-blame were related to greater depressive symptoms, whereas more education and greater perceived control over recovery correlated with fewer depressive symptoms. This study adds to research on MPSA and findings have implications for clinical treatment, intervention, and prevention with survivors.

摘要

虽然大多数性侵犯是由单独的施暴者实施的，但多人攻击 (MPSA) 仍然会发生。然而，人们对其袭击后的影响知之甚少。本研究在经历过 MPSA 的成年性侵犯幸存者社区样本中检查了人口统计学、攻击和攻击后特征与创伤后应激障碍 (PTSD) 和抑郁症状的相关性（N = 350) 在芝加哥地区。该研究还包括幸存者报告的犯罪者的人口统计和攻击特征。后向回归分析表明，压力性生活事件、更多暴力袭击、袭击后适应不良的应对和性格自责，以及在没有支持的情况下接受承认（例如承认发生了袭击，但给予不充分的支持）反应与更严重的 PTSD 症状有关。年龄较大和对恢复的感知控制能力更强与较少的创伤后应激障碍症状相关。更大的暴力、适应不良的应对和性格自责与更大的抑郁症状有关，而更多的教育和对康复的更大感知控制与更少的抑郁症状相关。