Abstract

The current study examines the utilization of religiosity as a protective factor and marijuana use as a risk factor for ethnically diverse female survivors of sexual victimization against the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Irritable Depression (ID), and sexual revictimization. A sample of ethnically diverse female adult participants who endorsed sexual victimization from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) were included in the study (n = 1115). Logistic regression analyses were used determine the probability of the predictor variables of religiosity, religious identification and marijuana use impacting the outcome variables and whether or not the moderating variable (i.e., ethnicity) changed the relationship between the predictor and outcome variables. Results suggest that individuals who endorsed higher rates of PTSD were more likely to identify with a religious organization, with Latinas experiencing significantly higher rates of PTSD as compared to the other groups. Sexual assault victims who met criteria for Marijuana Abuse or Dependence were significantly more likely to have experienced MDD than sexual assault victims who did not meet criteria. The study highlights the importance of understanding religious coping strategies utilized by ethnically diverse survivors of sexual victimization. This study also highlights implications for providing culturally congruent care. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Sexual abuse victims -- Psychology; Marijuana abuse; Post-traumatic stress disorder

Date of Award

2018

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Bryant-Davis, Thema;

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