Revictimization of Sexual Assault Survivors: Correlations Between Shame, Dissociation, Rape Myth Culture, and Revictimization

Sexual assault (SA) remains a pervasive issue with profound psychological and social implications. This study investigated the relationships between shame, rape myth culture (RMC), dissociation, and revictimization among college students utilizing southern university health center counseling services. Using a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional research design, the study addressed a gap in the existing literature by examining how these factors act together and affect SA survivors' mental health. The research questions focused on the decrease in shame following SA, the impact of revictimization on shame levels, and whether acceptance of rape myths and dissociation mediate this relationship. The study also explored whether these mediating effects are moderated by revictimization. The theoretical framework incorporated trauma theory, RMC theory, dissociation theory, and shame resilience theory. Data was collected through self-report surveys including TOSCA-3, DES II, and IRMA, and are analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, and moderated mediation models. The findings within this study are expected to enhance mental health professionals' understanding of survivors' experiences and inform the development of educational and preventive measures to reduce revictimization within the college population.