Browsing by Author "Pais, Diana Malha Caldeira"
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- Relationship between childhood experiences, beliefs legitimizing sexual violence, sexual victimization in adulthood and shamePublication . Pais, Diana Malha Caldeira; Almeida, TelmaBackground: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) present negative consequences throughout life, such as greater feelings of shame. However, the presence of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can mitigate the impact of childhood adversity, contributing to better mental health and well-being. The relationship between childhood experiences and beliefs legitimizing sexual violence (BLSV) has been the subject of several studies. Nonetheless, the results remain unclear, and the literature has not yet found consensus regarding this relationship. Objectives: Assess the relationship between childhood experiences and BLSV, as well as between childhood experiences and shame. It also aims to compare a sample of victims of sexual violence in adulthood and a sample of non-victims of sexual violence in adulthood in terms of childhood experiences, BLSV, and shame. In addition, it aims to analyze the predictive factors of shame. Participants: The sample consisted of 327 participants aged between 18 and 74, 91 of whom were victims of sexual violence in adulthood, and the remaining 236 were non-victims. Methodology: A Sociodemographic Questionnaire, a Sexual Violence Checklist, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, the Beliefs about Sexual Violence Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised were applied. Results: The results indicate that both samples exhibit higher levels of PCEs compared to ACEs and shame. There are significant correlations between some ACEs and fewer BLSV, as well as between some ACEs and more feelings of shame. On the other hand, PCEs are associated with lower levels of shame but higher levels of BLSV. When comparing the samples, the victims had more ACEs, more shame, and fewer BLSV. Linear regression indicates that sex, age, emotional abuse, and PCEs are significant predictors of shame. Conclusion: This study highlights the consequences of childhood experiences on the development of beliefs and symptoms associated with trauma, emphasizing the differences between victims and non-victims of sexual violence in adulthood. In this sense, it contributes to the literature and reinforces the need to develop trauma-based prevention strategies that strengthen resilience skills.