City Research Online

Abstract

The focus of this study is the consequences of drug and alcohol facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). While there is a growing body of literature that examines these experiences, too few have focused on the consequences, qualitatively from the perspective of female survivors. From a social constructionist and critical realist standpoint, this study utilises a combined critically discursive approach to explore how women construct consequences of their DFSA experiences. A Foucauldian inspired genealogical tracing of the dominant discourses of rape, female sexuality and DFSA from 1700 to today was conducted, drawing on sources from legislation and case law, psychological literature and the media. The current study interviewed six female survivors of DFSA in a one-to-one semi-structured format. The transcripts of their talk were analysed using a combination of Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Psychology to reveal what discourses participants drew on, what subject positions they took up or resisted and to suggest what these positions enabled or constrained them to do, say, think and feel. The findings reveal that survivors of DFSA draw on a range of discourses that make a limited number of subject positions available to them that constrained or enabled them in different ways. Each of these discourse and subject positions are discussed in relation to existent literature and theory. Consideration was given to how participants surveyed and regulated themselves to an unspoken set of normative standards within the interview dynamic itself. The implications of these findings for policy change and counselling psychology practice are suggested. Limitations of the current study and possible future research avenues are reflected on.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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