Everyday sexism and post -traumatic stress disorder in women: A correlational study.
Item
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Title
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Everyday sexism and post -traumatic stress disorder in women: A correlational study.
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Identifier
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AAI3008808
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identifier
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3008808
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Creator
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Berg, Susan Hope.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Mimi Abramovitz
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Date
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2001
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work | Psychology, Clinical | Women's Studies
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Abstract
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This study examined the effects of everyday sexism upon the development of trauma symptoms in women. Everyday sexism includes acts of disrespect, discrimination, and unfairness due to gender, as well as structural inequities. Female respondents (n = 382) completed a survey that included a subjective measurement of the experience of sexism (Schedule of Sexist Events [SSE; Klonoff & Landrine, 1995]); a checklist of gender-based stressors, including acts of violence (Gender-related Stressors [GRS]); a measurement of post-traumatic stress disorder (Trauma Symptom Inventory [TSI; Briere, 1995]); and a demographic questionnaire, which included a question on feminist identity.;The SSE assessed the experience of sexism within four domains---close relationships, distant relationships, workplace and society (sexist degradation and its consequences)---along two dimensions: lifetime and recent (i.e., within the previous year). The GRS included instances of gender role burdens and gender-based abuse throughout one's life. The TSI measured PTSD symptoms as outlined in the DSM-IV.;Scores on the SSE were significantly positively correlated with TSI scores, indicating a moderately strong relationship between the experience of daily nonviolent sexism and PTSD. Lifetime Sexism scores accounted for 11% of the variance in TSI scores; Recent Sexism accounted for 18% of that variance. GRS scores were positively correlated with TSI at a much weaker level, accounting for 6% of the variance on TSI scores. Moreover, within this questionnaire, the only category of gender-related stressors that achieved a significant correlation with TSI was that of violence and abuse. A stepwise multiple regression revealed when all variables (test scores, subscale scores, and demographic characteristics) were entered, the most predictive variable for TSI scores was Recent Sexist Degradation and Its Consequences, accounting for 20% of the variance in TSI scores.;This finding expands the definition of traumatagenic events to include nonviolent everyday sexist acts toward women.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
