Resilience Among Survivors of Campus Sexual Assault: A Scoping Review
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Authors
Yappen, Cate
Hamby, Sherry
Issue Date
2025-04-25
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
Scholarship Sewanee 2025 , University of the South, campus sexual assault, sexual victimization, rape, resilience, protective factors
Alternative Title
Abstract
At least one in five women experience sexual assault on campus, often associating with negative impacts on their wellbeing and education. Although many survivors overcome these incidents, much literature focuses on risk factors or negative consequences rather than exploring protective factors for recovery. This scoping review synthesizes strengths associated with resilience among women who have experienced campus sexual assault, using the resilience portfolio model (RPM) as a conceptual framework. Method: We searched PubMed and several EBSCO databases, searching for articles that included at least one strength and one outcome for survivors of campus sexual assault. Results: The search identified 18 articles that were organized into RPM domains: meaning making, interpersonal, regulatory, and environmental. Some strengths associated with better outcomes for survivors included involvement in advocacy, hope, and agency over one’s life. Some studies highlighted the importance of confidentiality among support staff on campuses, as well as effective campus resources for survivors. Conclusions: Implementation of successful campus policies and resources would provide survivors accessible outlets for healing. More research is needed on this topic to promote discussion of shifting perceptions of campus sexual assault survivors from deficits-based to strengths-based.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University of the South