Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Jerrod Brown
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify the gender specific challenges male sexual assault victims face when they report their victimization. Researchers can use their knowledge of these challenges reduce the stigmatization that is correlated with being a male sexual assault victim. The theoretical basis for this study was Joseph Pleck’s sex role strain paradigm, also known as the gender role strain paradigm. The research questions pertained to the psychological challenges that male sexual assault victims encounter when they begin seeking out services. The sample for this study consisted of eight heterosexual male participants who are sexual assault survivors. The participants were interviewed via Zoom by using semi structured interviews. The data from the interviews were analyzed and coded using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three themes emerged from the analysis: feeling of shame for being a sexual assault victim, feeling of being ignored, and feelings of self-loathing. The results of this study can be used to develop literature regarding the negative effects encountered by heterosexual male sexual assault survivors. The findings may be used for positive social change by helping professionals create resources aimed at male sexual assault survivors.
Recommended Citation
Rundle, Jessica Lynn, "Heterosexual Male Sexual Assault Victims Experience of Challenges in Reporting Their Victimization" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12200.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12200
