Psychosocial Factors Influencing the Resilience Portfolio in Sexual Assault Survivors.

Sexual violence is a public health problem that causes not only physical, but also long-lasting mental health
consequences, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, depression and drug abuse. One in four women may experience
sexual violence by an intimate partner with up to one in three young girls reporting their first sexual experience as being
forced. Prior investigations suggest that there are a series of protective features that act as moderators. These factors
are also known as poly-strengths and indicate the density and diversity of a person's overall Resilience portfolio. If we
can identify the factors that have a positive impact in the way individuals face adversities, we will be able to develop
policies and educational programs that promote more resilient communities. My research will identify the impact that
psychosocial factors have on the well-being of individuals who have been exposed to sexual violence. The results of this
study will lead to a better understanding of the differences observed among individuals thriving after adversity. To assess
the effects of psychosocial factors on the well-being of sexual violence survivors, I will conduct two studies: a systematic
review of resilience in adult sexual assault survivors, followed by a longitudinal study on resilience factors based upon
1400 participants from the Z-proso project. The primary outcomes of the second will be internalising symptoms,
subjective well-being and perceived stress measured at age 20.