Describe resiliency research and discuss its importance in understanding sexual coercion.
What will be an ideal response?
It is known beyond a shadow of doubt that people can heal from even the most violent acts of sexual coercion.
That healing process is often difficult and may take a long time, but with adequate support healing is possible.
One reason healing is complicated is because the coping mechanisms used by victims of sexual violence may help to prolong the trauma.
A study of 106 participants who had recently experienced sexual violence found that they tended to use disengagement coping, a psychological response that involves disengagement from reality, such as denial, self-blame, wishful thinking, and avoidance of their real feelings.
Resiliency is the positive capacity of people to cope with stress and adversity. People vary greatly in their ability to be resilient in the face of adversity.
Recovery after sexual coercion can take a variety of paths. For some individuals, the path is survival. Resiliency in the context of sexual coercion means being able to get up every day and do one's best to move on with life. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, low self-esteem, interpersonal issues, and risk of revictimization have all been documented as long- and short-term effects of sexual abuse. Some encouraging research notes that not all victims of sexual coercion resort to denial or disengagement coping methods or suffer from depression, substance abuse, extreme risk-taking, and other psychological effects. Many studies suggest that good coping skills can predict better emotional adjustment and decrease the risk for future revictimization.
Positive coping skills victims can use include disclosing and discussing the abuse, and refusing to dwell on the experience. Along with seeking support from family, friends, and health care professionals if needed, these strategies may lead to more positive emotional adjustment later on. Victims who use social support systems, such as college counseling, health centers, and rape and trauma abuse resources, have lower levels of psychological distress and revictimization. Lastly, those who do not blame themselves for the abuse also have reduced levels of psychological distress and revictimization.
Refocusing energy into other aspects of life is another positive way to help the healing and recovery process. Some ways to refocus and define new purpose in life are to pursue educational goals, become involved in family, take up a sport, and develop an understanding of religion or spirituality. Additionally, strategies such as mentally processing the trauma and violence, practicing meditation and yoga or exercise, setting limits and boundaries, keeping busy with projects of interest, writing, and praying have all helped victims survive and cope both in childhood, if the abuse occurred during that time in the lifespan, and in adulthood.
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Children two to five years old frequently display sexual behaviors; the frequencies of which ____
a. increase around six to nine years old, and diminish around eleven or twelve years old. b. diminish around six to nine years old, and increase around eleven or twelve years old. c. plateau around six to nine years old, and increase around eleven or twelve years old. d. increase around six to nine years old, and plateau around eleven or twelve years old.
One night, Allison and her friends are out for drinks, and Allison tells them about a new method of contraception that she has been using for the past six months, the basal body temperature method
Her friends are concerned that the method may not be an effective method of birth control for Allison. Why might Allison's friends be correct? a. The average thermometer is not sensitive enough to detect the changes in body temperature that occur during ovulation. b. There is no scientific evidence that body temperature changes with ovulation. c. Allison's alcohol consumption may alter her temperature, independent of ovulation. d. Allison needs to track her temperature for at least one year, before the method can be reliable.
What is the effect of penicillin on a syphilis infection?
a. None; unfortunately, syphilis is resistant to penicillin. b. The syphilis infection will be eradicated from the body, but the damage already done to the body will remain. c. The syphilis infection will be eradicated from the body, and the damage done to the body will reverse itself gradually. d. The syphilis infection will be eradicated from the body, and damage done to central nervous system will reverse itself; however, damage to the cardiovascular system will remain.
The _____ is the rounded, fatty pad of tissue, covered with pubic hair and lies on top of the pubic bones.
A. mons pubis B. labia minora C. labia majora D. symphysis pubis