(PS14-50) The Relationship Between History of Unwanted Sexual Contact and Perceptions of Social Relationships in an Undergraduate Sample

Prior research indicates that a history of unwanted sexual contact is associated with an increased risk of emotional distress, psychopathology, and difficulties in intimate relationships. Less research has examined how experiences of unwanted sexual contact are associated with perceptions of social relationships. Positive perceptions of one’s social relationships are associated with increased trust toward others and higher self-esteem, which leads to greater well-being and quality of life. This study aims to better understand the relationship between experiences of unwanted sexual contact and perceptions of one’s social relationships.

        Participants (N = 1627; Mean Age = 20.82, SD Age = 3.04; 82.1% female; 34.7% Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin; 42% Asian, 17% White, 7.5% Multiracial) were drawn from an undergraduate sample that completed a survey regarding experiences of potentially morally injurious events. Experiences of unwanted sexual contact were captured through the Brief Trauma Questionnaire (BTQ). From this sample, 492 participants (30.2%) reported a history of unwanted sexual contact, and 1135 (69.8%) reported never experiencing unwanted sexual contact. Perceptions of social relationships were captured through several items on the Flourishing Scale. Individuals who endorsed experiencing unwanted sexual contact were significantly less likely to believe that their social relationships were supportive and rewarding (t(1625) = 2.80, p < .01) and in their belief that people respect them (t(1625) = 3.05, p < .01). Unwanted sexual contact was not significantly associated with the belief that one actively contributes to the happiness of others (t(1625) = .58, p =.56). After accounting for total number of traumatic experiences (total BTQ score) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 [PCL-5]), history of unwanted sexual contact was not a significant predictor of any of the outcomes related to one’s perceptions of their social relationships (ps > .05). However, PCL-5 scores were a significant predictor of negative perceptions related to one’s social relationships (ps < .05).

        Our findings suggest that those who have experienced unwanted sexual contact may be at risk for negative perceptions of social relationships, but negative perceptions may be higher among those with increased PTSD symptoms. Longitudinal research assessing the directional relationships between these variables is needed. Moreover, future research should assess other aspects of social functioning and how different aspects of unwanted sexual contact (age of exposure, relationship to perpetrator) affect perceptions of social relationships among survivors.