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. 2020 Jan;26(1):46-65.
doi: 10.1177/1077801219828542. Epub 2019 Feb 25.

Predictors of Assertive and Nonassertive Styles of Self-Defense Behavior During a Lab-Based Sexual Assault Scenario

RaeAnn E Anderson  1   2   3 , Shawn P Cahill  2 , Kristin E Silver  4 , Douglas L Delahanty  1
Affiliations

Predictors of Assertive and Nonassertive Styles of Self-Defense Behavior During a Lab-Based Sexual Assault Scenario

RaeAnn E Anderson et al. Violence Against Women. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

The current study examined how psychological factors influence hypothetical behavioral responses to threat (BRTT). College women (n = 113) with a history of sexual victimization completed a standardized lab-based self-defense scenario. Interpersonal skills, coping style, and assertive and nonassertive BRTT during a prior assault predicted assertive BRTT during the task. The use of nonassertive BRTT during past assaults no longer predicted assertive BRTT during the task when accounting for rape acknowledgment. Findings regarding rape acknowledgment demonstrate the complexity of recovery from sexual assault. Our results highlight interpersonal skills as an intervention target for innovative sexual assault risk reduction interventions.

Keywords: assessment; childhood sexual abuse; rape; revictimization; self-defense.

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References

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