Motivators of Sexual Violence Disclosures and Mental Health : A Mixed Methods Investigation

Abstract

The aim of this mixed methods study was to examine motivators and characteristics of sexual violence disclosures and relationships with mental health. A representative national sample of male and female Icelandic adult survivors (N = 473) took part in a survey. Disclosure was common, especially among women, and psychological symptoms were greatest among late disclosers. Motivators of disclosure included violence itself, trauma and recovery, and social context and movements. Social context and movements disclosures related to lower psychological symptoms. Further research is needed to understand how disclosing related to social movements, such as #MeToo, could potentially confer mental health benefits.