Ongoing Research

Sexual Experiences Across the Lifespan (SEAL) Study

This study examines the association between sexual victimization experiences across the lifespan, various risk and protective factors, and psychological outcomes in emerging adult females ages 18 to 25, with a specific emphasis on the disclosure process. The study tracks participants (from Queens College and the community) across three time points (baseline, one month follow-up, ten months follow-up). At each time point, participants complete an online survey tracking sexual victimization experiences, disclosure characteristics, cognitive appraisals, psychopathology, psycho-social outcomes, demographic characteristics, risk factors, and protective factors. The current study will add to the field's knowledge of how sexual victimization and the disclosure process are related to cognition, psychopathology, adult attachment, and health risk behaviors.