Resiliency among individuals with childhood sexual abuse and HIV: perspectives on addressing sexual trauma

J Trauma Stress. 2006 Aug;19(4):449-60. doi: 10.1002/jts.20132.

Abstract

This study examined how resiliency (represented by optimism, social support, religiosity, and finding growth and meaning), within the context of perceived impact of sexual trauma and HIV-related stress, was linked to perspectives on addressing trauma among individuals (N=266) with HIV and childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Structural equation modeling analyses indicated that lower resiliency and greater HIV-related stress were related to negative feelings about addressing trauma, whereas greater resiliency and higher perceived impact of sexual trauma were associated with positive feelings about addressing trauma. Findings suggest that multiple factors influence perspectives on addressing trauma among individuals with HIV and CSA, and that resiliency might influence these attitudes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • New York City
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology