The Role of Hope in Recovery From Sexual Assault for Hispanic Women

Author

Esmeralda Rivera, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-1-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Rehabilitation Counseling

First Advisor

Noreen Graf

Second Advisor

Saara Grizzell

Third Advisor

Barbara Schoen

Abstract

Despite a growing amount of academic literature, there is a lack of research examining the levels of hope in Hispanic women recovering from sexual assault trauma. This quantitative survey investigates hope in Hispanic women healing from sexual assault trauma. The Miller Hope Scale (MHS) examines the variations and correlations between degrees of hope and demographic, personal, and self-advocacy factors. The research employs the Trauma Symptom Checklist—40 to investigate the correlation between levels of hope and trauma among women who have undergone sexual assault. Ninety-one Hispanic women from a crisis center in the U.S. were recruited for the study. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVAs, and correlational analyses were conducted to identify significant differences in levels of hope among Hispanic women recovering from sexual assault trauma. Notable findings indicated that most Hispanic women exhibited moderate to high levels of hope; nevertheless, 40% of participants experienced difficulties sustaining hope. Moreover, those who reported high degrees of spirituality exhibited greater hope than those who reported low levels of spirituality. The study indicated that Hispanic women consistently receiving familial assistance exhibited elevated levels of hope compared to those who infrequently, occasionally, or never got such support. Women who always received community support demonstrated greater levels of hope compared to those who often, sometimes, or never received such support. Moreover, participants demonstrated generally moderate to low levels of trauma; nevertheless, 47% displayed moderately high to high trauma levels. In conclusion, a negative correlation was seen between hope and trauma levels, indicating that Hispanic women with elevated trauma levels exhibit lower levels of hope. Future studies and implications for counselor educators are presented.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Esmeralda Rivera.

https://proquest.com/docview/3148168055

Recommended Citation

Rivera, Esmeralda, "The Role of Hope in Recovery From Sexual Assault for Hispanic Women" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1666.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1666