Anushree Rustagi | 2025 I.S. Symposium

Name: Anushree Rustagi
Title: From Hurt to Healing: Self-Compassion, Activism, Spirituality, and Post-traumatic Growth in Sexual Violence Survivors of Color in India and the United States
Major: Psychology
Minor: Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
Advisor: Alyssa Clark

This study explores the experiences of adult survivors of sexual violence, focusing on the roles of self-compassion, activism, and spirituality in fostering post-traumatic growth (PTG) among people of color in India and the United States (U.S.). Sexual violence is a pervasive issue with profound psychological and emotional consequences, particularly for marginalized groups. The research aims to address gaps in the literature by examining how these factors interplay to facilitate healing and positive change after trauma. Using a cross-sectional survey design, I collected data from participants in India (n = 72, Mage = 32.85, SD = 8.64) and the United States (n = 59, Mage = 39.31, SD = 13.49). Findings showed that more self-compassion, activism, and spirituality predicted greater post-traumatic growth. Results also revealed that Indian and South Asian survivors reported higher engagement in activism compared to U.S. and Black/African American survivors, highlighting cultural influences on involvement in advocacy. Further, adolescent survivors reported higher PTG than childhood survivors. These findings emphasize the need for culturally and age sensitive interventions, policies, and therapeutic practices that integrate self-compassion and spirituality while supporting survivor-led activism. The study contributes to trauma recovery literature by offering insights into the healing pathways of sexual violence survivors of color across two diverse nations.

Posted in Symposium 2025 on May 1, 2025.