Citation

Miller KE, Cromer LD. J. Trauma Dissociation 2014; 16(2): 211-223.

Affiliation

a Department of Psychology , University of Tulsa , Tulsa , Oklahoma , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15299732.2014.985863

PMID

25517856

Abstract

Survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) often delay or do not disclose the abuse for fear of not being believed. Studies document that women believe CSA disclosures more often than do men. Little research examines theoretical underpinnings for gender differences in believing. However, one theory suggests that women may be more empathetic to disclosures because interpersonal trauma (IPT) is proximal to their lives. The present study aimed to extend our understanding of how proximity to IPT may shape views of others' experiences of IPT. This study examined whether proximity to IPT (i.e., knowing a close other) rather than personal experience would better account for the robust gender differences typically found in believing disclosures. College students (N = 284) completed self-report measures about their personal trauma history and responded to questions regarding knowledge of close others' trauma histories. Participants read a vignette of an adult female disclosing CSA and rated the disclosure for believability.

RESULTS indicate that exposure to IPT increased believing, whereas gender did not. These results suggest that one's proximity to IPT may be an alternative explanation for influence on believing CSA rather than gender alone.

Language: en