Feminine Gender Identification and Mother-Daughter Connectedness as Predictors and Sociocultural Buffers Against Adult Sexual Victimization in Latinas and Caucasians
Abstract
The growing body of literature on childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has highlighted
increased risk for adult re-victimization and transgenerational sexual abuse such that
children of adult women with CSA histories are at increased risk for being sexually
abused. Despite these research trends, there is less research specific to victimization risk
and transgenerational sexual abuse. Furthermore, there is limited information on
ethnic/racial differences in these trends, particularly regarding Latinas. Despite research
suggesting an over-representation of reported CSA among Latina children, there are
apparent disparities suggesting underreporting of sexual victimization among Latinas in
adulthood. The present study examines interactional effects of sociocultural factors, such
as Latina Feminine Identity, internalized sexual objectification, and mother-daughter
connectedness as either potential buffers against, or predictors of sexual victimization in
Latinas. Furthermore, the study explored whether these same independent variables
predicted trauma symptoms as well. The current study aimed to create a new measure in
the field that operationally defines the Latina identity based on the theoretical literature,
which speaks to the duality of Latina feminine identity epitomizing saintly qualities
similar to the Virgin Mary as the consummate mother and caretaker, as well as the
powerful seductress who owns her beauty and sensuality as a woman. It was supported
that high maternal connectedness was a buffer against sexual victimization in Latina women, but not Caucasian women. Additionally, the desirability quality was found to be
related to increased risk of sexual victimization in Latina women who had low
connectedness with their mothers. Findings for trauma symptoms and sexual
objectification were marginal overall, with some indication that Caucasians reported
more sexual objectification than Latinas and a negative correlation between trauma
symptoms and sexual victimization among Caucasians.