The Relationship Between Antisocial Behavior and Sexual Victimization on Affective Decision-Making

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

Sexual victimization is a public health issue leading to mental and physical challenges amongst the victims. It has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of antisocial behavior, engagement in risky behaviors, and subsequent victimization. As victims are likely to engage in risky behaviors, it puts them at a higher risk of revictimization. Their perceptions of the costs and benefits of a risky behavior might also be related to their increased susceptibility.

Therefore, in this study, we will be using a modified version of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to investigate affective decision-making among 45 female college students in relation to their sexual victimization history and antisocial behavior. We hypothesize that individuals with a history of sexual victimization will demonstrate less avoidant behavior and more approach behavior (indicated by a rate of change that is higher in "% bad plays" and lower in “% good plays“ respectively) compared to those without sexual victimization. By examining changes in decision-making patterns over blocks within the task, we aim to gain insights into potential disparities in affective decision-making following sexual abuse. Discussion will be informed by the risk heterogeneity perspective, and we will provide prevention implications.

Authors

• Oluwakemi Adelana, Georgia State University

• Frances Chen, Georgia State University