The cumulative impact of sexual revictimization on emotion regulation difficulties: An examination of female inmates

Kate Walsh, David DiLillo, Mario J. Scalora

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present study examined associations between child sexual abuse (CSA), adult sexual victimization, and emotion regulation difficulties in a sample of 168 incarcerated women. Approximately 50% of the participants reported CSA, 54% reported adult sexual victimization, and 38% reported sexual revictimization (i.e., CSA and adult victimization). Revictimized women reported significantly greater difficulties with several facets of emotion regulation when compared to singly victimized and nonvictimized women. Interestingly, singly victimized women did not demonstrate greater emotion regulation deficits when compared to nonvictims. Findings suggest that the negative impact of victimization experiences on adult emotion regulation abilities may be cumulative. Furthermore, they highlight the potential importance of assessing and targeting emotion regulation difficulties among child abuse and adult sexual victimization survivors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1103-1118
Number of pages16
JournalViolence Against Women
Volume17
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2011

Keywords

  • child sexual abuse
  • emotion dysregulation
  • female inmates
  • sexual revictimization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Law

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The cumulative impact of sexual revictimization on emotion regulation difficulties: An examination of female inmates'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this