Sexual Victimization, Psychological Distress, and Psychological Barriers to Resistance Among College Women

Objective: Resistance to unwanted sexual advances decreases likelihood of completed sexual victimization (SV), with psychological barriers to resistance (PBRs; i.e. fear of injury, concern for preserving the relationship, and self-consciousness) reducing likelihood of resisting. Prior SV is associated with distress, which could increase revictimization risk. Method: A cross-sectional survey was utilized to examine associations among history of SV, psychological distress (defined as symptoms of depression, anxiety, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and alcohol use problems), and PBRs in a sample of college women (N = 374). It was hypothesized: 1) severity of SV would be associated with PBRs, 2) psychological distress would be associated with severity of SV, 3) psychological distress would be associated with each type of PBR, and 4) psychological distress would mediate associations between severity of SV and PBRs. Results: Severity of SV was associated with fear of injury exacerbation and concerns for relationship preservation as well as higher levels of psychological distress. Concerns for relationship preservation and self-consciousness were associated with more alcohol problems. Depression mediated severity of SV and PBR due to concern for relationship preservation. Conclusion: Risk reduction programs should address how the intersection of psychological distress and PBR influences resistance behavior, especially among women with a history of SV.