Interpersonal Violence Disclosure to Mental Healthcare Providers: A Multi-Site Comparison of Survivors’ Experiences and Trauma-Related Outcomes

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Interpersonal violence (IPV) exposure is associated with adverse psychological outcomes, particularly among socioeconomically vulnerable individuals. Limited research explores how survivors’ experiences disclosing IPV to mental healthcare providers (MHPs) vary by socioeconomic vulnerability. This study aims to compare rates of IPV disclosure to MHPs, disclosure satisfaction, and trauma-related outcomes at two southeastern universities with varying socioeconomic profiles. A total of 186 IPV-exposed undergraduate students completed measures assessing disclosure experiences with MHPs and trauma-related outcomes: N=131 were recruited from a Predominately White Institution (PWI; 90.8% White, 82.4% women, 62.6% household income>$100,000), N=55 from a Predominately Black Institution (PBI; 50.9% Black, 80.0% women, 18.2% household income>$100,000). PBI participants reported lower disclosure rates (25.4% vs. 42.0%; X2(1)=4.54, p=.033) and higher depression/anxiety, dissociation, and substance use rates, ts=-35.32, -3.75, ps<.001, than PWI participants; differences in PTSD symptoms were trending, t=-1.52, p=.065. Disclosure satisfaction was high and did not significantly differ by university, t=1.50, p=.069. Despite having more trauma-related concerns, more socioeconomically vulnerable students were less likely to disclose IPV to MHPs; however, when they did disclose, they were equally satisfied with providers’ responses. Universities with more socioeconomically vulnerable students may benefit from increasing access to victim resources, including mental health services, and decreasing utilization barriers.

Authors

• Emily J. Lubin, Auburn University

• Hannah Sawyer, Auburn University

• Seba Bakoyema, Auburn University

• Hailie Rose Suarez-Rivas, Auburn University

• Jessalyn Ellis, Georgia State University

• K. Nicole Mullican, Georgia State University

• Laura Salazar, Georgia State University

• Janice Clifford, Auburn University

• Amanda Gilmore, Georgia State University

• Emma C. Lathan-Powell, Auburn University