How do social attitudes toward masculinity and femininity shape the psychological impact of sexual trauma on men and women?
Sexual trauma is an event that involves undesired sexual acts or abuse committed against someone. It may be nonconsensual, coercive, violent, painful, or humiliating. Sexual assault often occurs between strangers or acquaintances but can also happen within romantic or family relations. Its consequences are severe and long-lasting for both victims and society.
Social attitudes towards masculinity and femininity can shape how people experience sexual trauma differently. Masculine individuals tend to exhibit strength, courage, competitiveness, and dominance while feminine ones have qualities like nurturing, compassion, empathy, and vulnerability. The societal pressure to conform to these norms influences how men and women handle traumatic experiences.
Men may feel ashamed to report sexual assault due to cultural expectations that they should show power and control in all situations. They fear being labeled as weak and unable to protect themselves or their partners. This could lead them to repress feelings and avoid seeking help, which worsens symptoms such as depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, and suicidal thoughts.
Women's attitudes toward gender roles mean that they often blame themselves after a sexual attack because it violates traditional notions of innocence and purity. They might internalize shame, self-blame, and doubts about worthiness, leading to low self-esteem and difficulty trusting others. Many also struggle with relationships, sex, motherhood, and career success due to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, and depression.
Another factor is gender identity. Cisgender males who identify with masculinity may face conflicting emotions if they were victimized by another man. Transgender individuals may be affected by transphobia when seeking support, making them more susceptible to mental health issues. LGBTQ+ victims may struggle to find allies or seek help due to homophobia or discrimination.
Social beliefs can affect the type and timing of therapy received. Some providers assume men cannot cry or be emotionally vulnerable and ignore physical injuries. Others encourage women to repress their anger, pain, and rage instead of processing it through talk therapy or creative outlets like art or writing. These approaches can cause long-term harm and reinforce stereotypes.
Social expectations around masculinity and femininity shape how men and women experience sexual trauma differently. Gender norms influence treatment options, resulting in unequal access to care, which worsens symptoms. A comprehensive approach should prioritize survivor autonomy, validate feelings, offer diverse support networks, and address societal injustices that perpetuate these problems.
How do social attitudes toward masculinity and femininity shape the psychological impact of sexual trauma on men and women?
Social attitudes towards gender roles and expectations can influence how individuals react to sexual trauma and its aftermath. Traditional views often suggest that men should be stoic, tough, and unemotional while women are vulnerable, needy, and expressive. This means that when a man experiences sexual assault, he may feel ashamed or embarrassed about breaking with these norms by showing emotion or seeking help, leading to delayed reporting and treatment.