Misconceptions about intimate aggression have been found to have serious consequences (Kamphius et al., 2005; Robinson, 2005). These beliefs serve to minimize the crime and blame the victim which can cause individuals to not take the crime seriously (Kamphius, et al., 2005; Sinclair, in press). Initial work combined and updated Sinclair's (2010) Stalking Myths Scale and McKeon's unpublished Stalking Attitudes Questionnaire, but further psychometric analysis is needed (Lyndon, Sinclair, & Martin, 2011). I surveyed 1,200 undergraduates using the Stalking Myth Scale –Revised (SMS – R), a modified version of the Obsessive Relational Intrusion Inventory – Short Form (ORI - SF; Cupach & Spitzberg, 2004), and three intimate partner aggression myth scales. My findings replicated the factor structure of the previous pilot and attitudes regarding stalking were found to be predictors of the likelihood to engage in, the perceived normativity of, and the perceived motivation behind stalking.

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Background: Although prior research has established intimate partner violence (IPV) as a widespread public health problem in the U.S., little is known about IPV prevalence and help seeking behaviors in undocumented Latina immigrants Purpose: This study seeks to contribute new knowledge to the study of IPV by describing IPV prevalence, help seeking behaviors, and health outcomes of undocumented Spanish-speaking immigrant women who have experienced lifetime intimate partner violence. . Methods: Two hundred undocumented Spanish-speaking women were recruited from urban healthcare centers to complete a survey about women's health to assess IPV, major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and health-related quality (HRQL) of life. Qualitative interviews were completed with community health workers serving this population and immigrant survivors of violence. Results: Sixty-nine (34.5%) of the women in the sample screened positive for lifetime IPV and of these women, 56.6% sought help from either formal or informal sources as a result of the violence. Of the entire sample, 41.5% endorsed major depressive disorder and 16% endorsed post-traumatic stress disorder. In the unadjusted logistic regression models, IPV survivors were more likely to endorse MDD and PTSD and report low mental health HRQL scores (OR: 2.27, 3.45, 2.19, respectively). In fully adjusted models, only the association between IPV and PTSD remained significant (OR: 4.143, CI: 1.21-14.24). Discussion: The findings highlight several help-seeking barriers among undocumented Spanish-speaking immigrant women who are the survivors of IPV. Language barriers and fears of family separation resulting from deportation and loss of child custody are unique help-seeking barriers for undocumented immigrants. There was an overall high prevalence of MDD and PTSD in the sample population, and an increased risk of PTSD in IPV survivors compared with non-survivors. Our findings highlight the need for quality mental health and trauma-informed services tailored to the needs of undocumented Spanish-speaking immigrant women, including increased access to mental health services in primary healthcare settings. Health and social service organizations serving this population should use this information to inform IPV treatment and prevention programs for women. / Public Health

Introduction: Sexual misconduct is a pervasive and deleterious issue within military contexts. Commonly cited psychological sequelae of sexual assault include anxiety, depression, suicidality, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as interpersonal relationship functioning issues. The experience of military sexual trauma (MST) is unique in that the environment in which the harm occurs, the culture, plays a significant role in the impact of the harm on survivors. MST is often also related to feelings of institutional betrayal and moral injury. While clinical treatment of interpersonal trauma history is common, there is a lack of research regarding the development and efficacy of clinical interventions used with couples affected by MST. The objective of the thesis is to examine how dimensions and impacts of MST affect intimate partner relationships. Methods: A multi-method qualitative approach was taken in the thesis, including a scoping review and two narrative reviews, contextualized using primary qualitative data in the conclusion chapter. Results: MST affects dimensions of intimate partner relationships including communication, trust and attachment, intimacy, conflict, aggression, as well as sexual function and satisfaction. The present work highlights the unique considerations for those affected by MST, suggesting that the relationship between adverse psychological outcomes, such as PTSD, and relationship distress appears to be greater for military than among civilian populations. While clinical work aims to amplify positive outcomes within couple relationships, and reduce individual symptomatology, there exists a lack of interventions tailored to meet the needs of couples affected by MST specifically. Discussion: The present thesis contributes to the growing understanding of how MST affects intimate partner relationships, as researchers and clinicians continue to seek to improve supports available for military members. The work is an appropriate start to inspire and inform future research, identifying existing gaps in the literature spurring on forthcoming work that aims to improve the wellbeing of military-connected intimate partner relationships. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / The present thesis explores how military sexual trauma may affect intimate partner relationships. The work highlights how the literature discusses and describes the link between sexual assault that occurs in the military, posttraumatic stress disorder, and intimate partner relationships. In addition, the work explores concepts related to the experience of sexual assault in the military, such as betrayal, guilt, shame, as well as military culture. The thesis also identifies and summarizes information about therapeutic interventions being used with couples who are affected by military sexual trauma. The present body of work contributes to the growing understanding of how military sexual trauma affects intimate relationships and survivors, while also informing research, clinical services, and policymakers who are making meaningful change in the health and wellbeing of military members and their partners.