Healing Journey of South Asian Women: Neurocognitive Effects and Impacts of Community Responses to Sexual Assault Disclosure
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| Publicado en: | ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (2025) |
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ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
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| Acceso en línea: | Citation/Abstract Full Text - PDF |
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| Resumen: | This multiple case study explored how sexual assault impacts neurocognitive functioning, help-seeking behaviors, and social responses among South Asian American women. Grounded in a feminist framework, the study involved seven participants between the ages of 24 and 31 who completed a battery of neuropsychological assessments (CVLT-3, ART, DSQ-40) along with in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The interview data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Findings from the neuropsychological assessments revealed a wide range of memory profiles, challenging the assumption that trauma affects cognitive functioning in a uniform way. While some participants showed strong verbal learning abilities, others struggled with delayed recall. Notably, there appeared to be a disconnect between performance on structured memory tasks and participants’ autobiographical recall, pointing to domain-specific rather than global memory effects. Five interrelated themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Sheltered Upbringing and Naivete, (2) Communication Barriers and Cycles of Shame, (3) Internalized Self-Blame and Victim Responsibility, (4) Emotional Resilience and Defense Mechanisms as Survival Strategies, and (5) Selective Disclosure and Social Responses. Across the sample, five participants primarily used neurotic defense mechanisms, suggesting complex psychological adaptations that allowed them to navigate recovery while still conforming to cultural expectations. Findings highlight the complex intersection of cultural identity, neurocognitive functioning, and social responses in shaping recovery trajectories. Clinical implications include needs for culturally adapted interventions and diverse mental health providers. |
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| ISBN: | 9798293854998 |
| Fuente: | ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global |