DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/JSWN-CT31

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2652-449X

Defense Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Donna Gibson

Second Advisor

Dr. Yaoying Xu

Third Advisor

Dr. Abigail Conley

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Chi-Ning Chang

Abstract

This three-paper dissertation aims to explore how to support and promote the well-being of sexual assault survivors. Paper 1 investigates the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG), adverse childhood experiences, anxiety, and mindfulness among 233 college students who experienced sexual violence. Results showed that mindfulness significantly mediates the positive relationship between ACEs and anxiety among sexual violence survivors and also highlights the role of anxiety as a mediator in the relationship between ACEs and PTG. In addition, a serial mediation pathway was examined. Higher levels of ACEs were associated with lower mindfulness, which subsequently contributed to more anxiety and ultimately resulted in greater post-traumatic growth. Paper 2 is a systematic review that explores peer-reviewed studies that examine protective factors for survivors’ well-being and intervention strategies tailored to these marginalized student populations. Twenty relevant studies were selected. This review identified 12 protective factors that promote survivors’ well-being and 15 suggestions regarding interventions for practitioners and/or universities to support underserved clients. It underscores the need for more inclusive research and targeted interventions to better support all college sexual assault survivors, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Paper 3 seeks to identify mental health protective factors among sexual assault survivors and examine whether these factors differ between those with one minority identity and those with multiple minority identities. Structural equation modeling analysis illustrates the group differences in mental health protective factors. The findings of this study indicate that, compared to sexual assault survivors with one minority identity (OMI), those with multiple minority identities (MMI) exhibit lower resilience and higher PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and SCL (mental health symptoms checklist). The practical implications, suggestions for future research, and limitations of the study are discussed.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-6-2025

Available for download on Sunday, May 05, 2030

Share

COinS