Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(2), 1-7, 2024

https://doi.org/10.62574/00kp3y92

Personality traits in women victims of sexual violence

Rasgos de personalidad en Mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual

Julia Rojas-Rodríguez

julia.rojas@usa.edu.co

Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4739-1709

ABSTRACT

Objective: to analyze personality traits in women victims of sexual violence. Method: A descriptive

documentary review was carried out with the support of the systemic review technique. Results and

Conclusion: It was found that these women usually experience low self-esteem, anxiety and

depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, difficulties in establishing relationships and trust

problems. Risk factors associated with these traits include previous traumatic experiences, lack of

social support, stigmatization and victim blaming, economic insecurity and lack of access to mental

health services.

Descriptors: personal autonomy; rape; compulsive personality disorder. (Source, DeCS).

RESUMEN

Objetivo: analizar los rasgos de personalidad en Mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual. Método: Se

realizó revisión descriptiva documental con apoyo de la técnica de revisión sistémica. Resultados y

conclusión: Se ha evidenciado que estas mujeres suelen experimentar una baja autoestima,

ansiedad y depresión, trastornos de estrés postraumático, dificultades en el establecimiento de

relaciones y problemas de confianza, se encontró que los factores de riesgo asociados a estos

rasgos incluyen experiencias traumáticas previas, falta de apoyo social, estigmatización y victim

blaming, inseguridad económica y falta de acceso a servicios de salud mental.

Descriptores: autonomía personal; violación; trastorno de personalidad compulsiva. (Fuente,

DeCS).

Received: 28/02/2023. Revised: 02/03/2023. Approved: 07/03/2023. Published: 01/05/2024.

Brief original

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(1), 1-7, 2024

Rasgos de personalidad en Mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual

Personality traits in women victims of sexual violence

Julia Rojas-Rodríguez

INTRODUCTION

Sexual violence is a serious and widespread problem in our society today.

Throughout history, it has existed in different forms and contexts, affecting mainly

women and girls. Its roots lie in entrenched cultural patterns, gender inequalities and

social norms that perpetuate women's subordination and control. Factors such as

lack of sexuality education, discrimination, poverty and limited access to health

services contribute to its prevalence. 1 2 3

Armed conflict, forced migration and other crisis situations can significantly increase

the risk of sexual violence. Understanding these roots is essential to adequately

address the problem and to promote social changes that prevent and protect women

from this violence. The impact of sexual violence cannot be underestimated, as it

leaves physical, emotional and psychological scars on victims. These wounds can

last a lifetime, affecting their overall well-being, their ability to have healthy

relationships and their participation in society. 4 5

Sexual violence also negatively affects the wider community, undermining trust in

institutions, perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes and hindering social and

economic development. To address this problem, it is necessary to implement

comprehensive strategies that promote gender equality, respect and education at all

levels of society. This involves not only punishing perpetrators, but also working to

change attitudes and beliefs that support sexual violence. It is essential to provide

adequate support and services to victims, including specialised medical care,

counselling and access to justice. 6

In this order, personality refers to the set of emotional, cognitive and behavioural

patterns that characterise a person and are relatively stable over time. In the context

of women victims of sexual violence, the definition of personality may be particularly

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(1), 1-7, 2024

Rasgos de personalidad en Mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual

Personality traits in women victims of sexual violence

Julia Rojas-Rodríguez

relevant to understanding the impact of violence on their psychology and

development. Personality may influence how women cope with and process the

traumatic experience of sexual violence, as well as how they relate to others and

how they view themselves. Exploring personality traits in these women can provide

valuable information for designing effective and personalised therapeutic

interventions. 7 8

In consideration of the above, the objective of analysing personality traits in women

victims of sexual violence is presented.

METHOD

A descriptive documentary review was carried out using the systemic review

technique.

The documentary population consisted of 15 scientific articles published in PubMed.

The data collected were processed by means of documentary content analysis.

RESULTS

The personality of women victims of sexual violence is a determining factor in their

recovery process. Understanding how each of them faces and processes trauma, as

well as understanding the characteristics that define their way of relating and seeing

themselves, will allow us to design more effective and personalised therapeutic

interventions. 9

The study of personality traits in these women is key to providing them with the

necessary help, improving their emotional wellbeing and supporting them on their

path to healing. Low self-esteem is a common trait in women who have been victims

of sexual violence. This traumatic experience can negatively affect their self-

perception, diminishing their confidence and self-worth. 10

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(1), 1-7, 2024

Rasgos de personalidad en Mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual

Personality traits in women victims of sexual violence

Julia Rojas-Rodríguez

These women often feel guilty or ashamed of what happened, which contributes to

a negative self-image. In addition, they may experience feelings of devaluation and

lack of self-worth as a result of the abuse they have suffered. To overcome this, it is

essential to provide emotional and psychological support to help them rebuild their

self-esteem and strengthen their sense of self-worth. 11

Sexual violence can have a significant impact on the mental health of affected

women, with anxiety and depression being two common personality traits in these

situations. After experiencing sexual violence, many women experience high levels

of anxiety, manifested through symptoms such as nervousness, fear, restlessness

and irritability. Depression is another common emotional response, characterised by

feelings of deep sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and problems sleeping

and concentrating. 12

These traits can persist over the long term and affect women's quality of life, so it is

essential to offer comprehensive support, including psychological therapy and

pharmacological treatments if necessary. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is

common in women who have experienced sexual violence. This type of trauma can

leave a deep emotional imprint, causing symptoms characteristic of PTSD, such as

intrusive memories of the traumatic event, nightmares, avoidance of situations

reminiscent of the trauma, hypervigilance and mood swings. PTSD symptoms can

hinder women's ability to function in their daily lives and maintain healthy

relationships. 13

Women victims of sexual violence often face difficulties in establishing healthy

interpersonal relationships. The trauma experienced can lead to mistrust and fear of

others, which hinders the formation of close and meaningful bonds. These women

may experience fear of being hurt again or difficulty trusting people's intentions. In

addition, they may have difficulty setting healthy boundaries in their relationships,

which exposes them to repeated abuse or violence. 14 15

Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(1), 1-7, 2024

Rasgos de personalidad en Mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual

Personality traits in women victims of sexual violence

Julia Rojas-Rodríguez

CONCLUSION

There is evidence that these women often experience low self-esteem, anxiety and

depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship difficulties and trust issues,

and risk factors associated with these traits were found to include previous traumatic

experiences, lack of social support, stigmatisation and victimisation, economic

insecurity and lack of access to mental health services. It is critical to identify and

address these personality traits in women victims of sexual violence, as this will

enable them to be offered appropriate treatment and psychological support for

recovery.

FUNDING

Non-monetary

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There is no conflict of interest with persons or institutions involved in the research.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To the women who are in the process of social rehabilitation.

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Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(1), 1-7, 2024

Rasgos de personalidad en Mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual

Personality traits in women victims of sexual violence

Julia Rojas-Rodríguez

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Sanitas

Revista arbitrada de ciencias de la salud

Vol. 3(1), 1-7, 2024

Rasgos de personalidad en Mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual

Personality traits in women victims of sexual violence

Julia Rojas-Rodríguez

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