Browsing by Author "Pires, Ana Carolina Chaves"
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- Victims of rape : relationship between childhood experiences, negative thoughts and emotional regulationPublication . Pires, Ana Carolina Chaves; Almeida, TelmaBackground: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) impact an individual's early life experiences and well-being. Being exposed to BCEs may protect against the adverse effects of ACEs. The literature suggests that victims of sexual violence may suffer a series of negative consequences in the medium and long term. Emotion regulation problems may be a common factor underlying the various psychological repercussions of sexual victimization (and revictimization). Individuals who do not have effective emotion regulation techniques may also develop repetitive negative thoughts, as suggested by several authors. Objectives: To analyze the relationship between childhood experiences, rape victimization experiences and the difficulty of emotional regulation, and the existence of negative thoughts in adulthood. It also aims to compare rape victims and non-victims concerning ACEs, BCES, negative thoughts, and difficulty in emotional regulation in adulthood. Participants: The sample includes 201 Portuguese adults (130 women and 71 men) between 18 and 73 years old (M = 29.27, SD = 12.35). Method: The participants answered an online protocol consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Childhood History Questionnaire (ACE), the Childhood Benevolent Experiences Scale (BCE), the Emotion Regulation Difficulties Scale (DERS-SF), and the Persistent Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale (PINTS-PT). Results: Victims of rape or attempted rape have predominantly suffered from this abuse in intimate relationships. The analyses revealed positive correlations between ACEs and victimization in adulthood, the DERS-SF and the PINTS-PT, and negative correlations between ACEs and BCEs. Research reveals a positive correlation between negative thinking and difficulties with emotional regulation in victims. Comparisons between victims and non-victims showed significant differences, where victims exhibited higher values in adverse childhood experiences, emotional abuse, impulsivity, and the existence of negative thoughts in adulthood. Conclusion: This study highlights the existence of rape victimization in the context of an intimate relationship and the need for preventive measures.