Fostering justice and wellbeing: Integrating positive and community psychologies for sexual assault survivors

The integration of critical positive and community psychology provides a way to support the wellbeing of individuals until structural change happens. This case study illustrates the possibilities of this approach using mixed-methods analysis of surveys conducted with 103 female-identifying sexual assault survivors, examining the connection between wellbeing and participation in activism. Quantitative analyses indicate that survivors engaged in activism were older, more educated, had higher income, and had more time pass since the assault. Survivors engaged in activism had fewer depression symptoms and more indicators of post-traumatic growth. Qualitative analyses suggest that activism engagement promoted healing, agency, and sense of solidarity that bolstered resistance to silencing. Findings are interpreted through an exploration of how critical positive community psychology can support both the individual and society, but not without tension. We argue for a more intentional focus on the role of relationality in processes of healing and justice-oriented social change.