Sexual Victimization as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Antisocial Behavior and Affective Decision-Making

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

Sexual victimization has been shown to relate to antisocial behavior. For example, our previous analyses with 1534 students (aged 18-36) found significant group differences in antisocial behavior between those with no victimization, single victimization and recurring victimization controlling for impulsivity and aggression.

Prior studies have found deficient affective decision making among those with more antisocial behavior, thus the current study examined whether affective decision making may be a risk factor for sexual victimization among female college students. Affective decision making was assessed with a modified Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Participants made play/pass decisions with tailored feedback on net outcomes. Performance was measured by the percentage of good plays (approach behavior), bad plays (avoidant behavior), and net score (good plays - bad plays). We hypothesized that individuals with sexual victimization history would show less avoidant behavior, indicated by higher rates of "% bad plays" suggesting differences in risk perception and feedback learning.

Statistical tests will be run to examine whether those with no victimization, single victimization, and recurring victimization will have different approach and avoidant behavior in the modified IGT. We will discuss the findings in light of the risk heterogeneity process of recurring victimization and provide discussion on prevention implications.

Authors

• Joanna Fedjo Tsague, Georgia State University

• Frances Chen, Georgia State University