Although previous research has linked sexual harassment to negative psychological outcomes, few studies have focused on moderators of these relationships. The present study surveyed Black (n= 88) and White (n= 170) female undergraduates who endorsed experiences of sexual harassment to examine whether traditional gender attitudes differentially moderated the relationship between sexual harassment and three outcomes: posttraumatic stress symptoms, general clinical symptoms, and satisfaction with life. We replicated past findings that sexual harassment is related to negative outcomes. Further, the results supported our hypothesis that less traditional gender attitudes (i.e., more feminist attitudes) would buffer the negative effects of sexual harassment for White women, whereas the same attitudes would exacerbate its negative effects for Black women. We discuss reasons for these differences, including Black women's double consciousness and differences in the meaning of feminist and traditional gender attitudes for Black and White women.
This case study applies feminist identity development (FID) theory to a feminist-oriented psychotherapy treatment. Although there is a strong body of literature on the principles of feminist psychotherapy, the concept of FID must be further integrated into this work. As a link between psychiatric symptoms and different levels of FID has been empirically supported, FID has a natural connection with psychotherapeutic treatment. This case presentation follows Tara, a working-class woman in her midtwenties, who initially presented in psychotherapy with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and some indication of thought disorder. During her 3½ year treatment, she confronted issues of her mental health, employment and education, and issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. These topics were addressed in the context of Tara's emerging understanding of her identity as a woman in a patriarchal society. Attention to issues related to FID facilitated understanding of key issues in treatment.
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