“I Still Haven’t Worked Through It”: A Mixed Methods Examination of Social and Psychological Outcomes of Nonconsensual Distribution of Sexually Explicit Materials

Abstract Purpose Non-consensual distribution (NCD) of sexual images and videos appears prevalent among emerging adults. Although NCD can vary significantly based on a number of characteristics (e.g., relationship with perpetrator; presence of threats or demands; what was shown in the images/videos, etc.), limited research has examined whether such characteristics may contribute to differing outcomes for survivors, and few studies have used a mixed-methods approach to understand victim outcomes. The present study: (1) quantitatively examined whether NCD characteristics were associated with PTSD and depressive symptoms, and (2) qualitatively examined participants’ self-reported outcomes of NCD victimization. Methods Undergraduate women ( N = 894) completed an online survey regarding NCD experiences and characteristics, and both quantitative and qualitative questions assessing NCD consequences. Results Overall, 22.9% ( n = 205) of women reported NCD victimization; most perpetrators were men and current or former intimate partners. While several NCD characteristics were bivariately associated with PTSD and/or depression, in regressions, only the presence of demands and sharing of videos (vs. images only) were significantly associated with PTSD symptoms, while sharing with friends was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Qualitatively, nearly 84% of victims reported negative consequences of NCD; in additional to mental health consequences, four other themes of consequences included: overall negative effects, consequences to relationships, emotional responses, and other consequences (e.g., social, academic, longer-term consequences and fears). Conclusions NCD is common among undergraduate women and results in a range of negative outcomes, suggesting the need for greater prevention efforts and victim supports on college campuses.