1. Context
Rape is a global issue and can be a very distressing life-event for the survivors (1). The ethics of sex is defined by culture (2). Several sexual practices are considered unethical in many cultures such as adultery (3), homosexuality (4), promiscuity, anal sex (5), watching porn (6), pre-marital sex (7), etc. Rape, on the other hand, is regarded as highly unethical worldwide (8). A meta-analysis in 2010 covering 56 countries confirmed the experiences of sexual violence by 7.2% women worldwide (9). The studies conducted in United States reported higher frequencies of rape among women as compared to men (10, 11) such as 1 in 5 females and 1 in 71 males (12). Most of the raped men and women were under 25 years of age (12). Unmarried have more chances of being raped (13-18). People from low socio-economic status are more prone to rape (13, 19-22). Likewise, people from rural areas are more likely to be raped as compared with people from urban areas (22).
2. Methods
The present study aimed to instruct positive therapists on the fundamental understanding of rape and to equip them with practical approaches to assist rape survivors. This paper relies solely on a review of existing literature and expert opinions and does not involve the collection or analysis of primary data.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Theoretical Understanding of Rape and Its Psychosocial Consequences
The evolutionary or biological perspective regards rape as an output of a naturally occurring phenomenon which is related to natural selection and survival of the fittest (23). Self-control theory explains rape through the perception of men about the uncontrollable nature of their sexual urges resulting in rape (23, 24). Another version of the self-control theory focuses on the immediate gratification of sexual urge which seems irresistible (25). The feminist perspective regards rape as a product of the male-dominated nature of the societies in general (26) through which men want to degrade and control women through rape (23). Narcissistic reactance theory associates rape with the narcissistic tendencies of the rapists (23).
Rape results in several adverse effects on health and wellbeing of the survivors (27). The effects involve their sexuality, interpersonal relationships, and social reputation (28). The psychological effects include post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, personality disorders, sexual disorders, lowering self-esteem and will power, emotional exhaustion, cognitive confusions, and eating disorders (29, 30). Since a vast majority of the world’s population, especially in eastern cultures, has insufficient knowledge on mental health and mental problems (31), people stay mostly reluctant to seek professional psychological help (32). The social stigma associated with rape and other cultural obstacles for women (33) also hinder in seeking professional help. Clinical psychology, on the other hand, has generally been focusing on the negative aspects of human behavior (34). Most of the psychotherapies used for the victims of rape involve the psychopathological aspects and intend to address the psychologically negative consequences of rape on the victims (30). The basic technique used in the existing psychotherapies is to make the clients release their trauma and confront their fears (1). Cognitive processing therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, psychodynamic psychotherapy, prolonged exposure therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy, etc. allow the clients to recall and report the incident to release the distress associated with the incident and to modify their thoughts in a more logical order (1, 35). Instead of focusing more the strengths, humans tend to focus more on the negative happenings inside their minds and bodies (36).
3.2. The Uniqueness of Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is a latest branch in Psychology (37). Structuralism is about breaking down the mental processes into their basic components by using the technique of introspection to examine the human mind’s internal processes (38). Functionalism is about focusing on the role of mental processes (39). Gestalt psychology is about focusing on the holistic mental experience (40). Psychoanalysis is about focusing on the influence of unconscious thoughts on behavior (41). Behaviorism is about explaining behavior by environmental causes (42). Cognitivism is about focusing on thought processes, memory, and perception (43). Humanistic psychology is about focusing on free will, personal growth, and self-actualization (44). Positive psychology, on the other hand, is about focusing on a broader perspective of mental health while complimenting other schools of thought (37, 45-53). The main aim of positive psychology is to focus on improving one’s life rather than fixing shortcomings (37, 53). It promotes optimal functioning of people, institutions, and societies (51) by promoting joy, happiness, wellbeing, human strengths, virtues, positive attraction with community, social responsibilities, etc. (47). Positive psychology is a journey from illness to wellness and it focuses on what is strong than what is wrong (45, 47, 51, 53, 54). Positive psychology provides a balanced way of treating mental disorders involving both the negative and positive aspects and experiences of life (52, 55). The psychotherapeutic process of positive psychology, instead of emphasizing the negative aspects associated with the client’s history, focuses more on the strengths of the client to recover from the psychological damage happened in the past (53).
3.3. Dealing with Rape Survivors by Positive Therapists
It is not possible to find any recommendations for positive therapists that are specific to rape in the existing literature on positive therapy. Positive therapy, on the other hand, has the potential to be the most appropriate and highly effective psychotherapeutic procedure for individuals who have previously survived rape or sexual assault. It is possible for positive therapists who work with people who have survived rape to make their psychotherapeutic sessions more effective by incorporating the following ideas or concepts:
3.3.1. Empowerment Through Identity
The first step is to encourage clients to believe that they are survivors, rather than the victims. This involves removing the stigma, guilt, and shame that are associated with being raped; bringing the clients to the realization that being raped was not their fault; and restoring their confidence in themselves so that they are ready for a happy life in the future.
3.3.2. Focus on Positive Emotions
Focusing more on the positive feelings that are present. Involving clients in activities that have the potential to bring instant humor and happiness is something that therapists should do. All of this will make it easier for the clients to participate more actively in the sessions.
3.3.3. Release Negative Emotions
Releasing the negative feelings that you hold. Rather than repressing the negative memories that are connected to the rape incident, it is necessary to let them out. Positive therapists assist their clients in releasing these memories by encouraging them to express themselves verbally. The use of writing or drawing can also be beneficial in this circumstance.
3.3.4. Encourage Reaction-Formation
Putting more of an emphasis on the formation of the reaction rather than on denying or suppressing it. The clients should not try to cover up or deny the incident; rather, they should cultivate a sense of responsibility for the future in order to assist the people in the surrounding area in preventing sexual assaults. Assisting other people in gaining a better understanding of the prevention and response to rape can be an encouraging life-objective for the clients, which will bring a sense of purpose to their lives in the future.
3.3.5. Build Strong Therapeutic Relationships
Establishing solid therapeutic and interpersonal relationships is the fifth step. Positive therapists should portray themselves to their clients as their closest friends and should encourage their clients to love their close relationships more than they did in the past. Increased expressions of love and affection are necessary to forestall the occurrence of potential relationship issues.
3.3.6. Manage Daily Routines
Managing the daily routines of the clients. They should also be involved in the day-to-day activities of their clients and assist their clients in the planning of constructive activities to bring them back to life. Positive therapists should be involved in these activities.
3.3.7. Problem-Solving Approach
Redirecting the issues that customers are experiencing to solutions that are practical. There is a possibility that the customers have encountered some newly arising socio-economic obstacles in their lives. It is the responsibility of the therapist to offer them suggestions that can be put into practice to help them overcome those issues and ensure that their fundamental requirements are met.
3.3.8. Focus on New Strengths
Putting more of an emphasis on the new capabilities that the survivors may or may not have acquired because of the incident. Bravery, forgiveness and mercy, hope, leadership, social intelligence, religiousness, and spirituality are some examples of the strengths that these individuals may possess.
3.3.9. Promote Self-love
Self-love is being encouraged. Those who practice positive therapy should also be aware of the possibility that their clients will develop a negative attitude toward their bodies. It is possible to have a conversation with the clients about the importance of appreciating beauty and excellence as a character strength in order to evaluate them as sexual and physical beings.
3.3.10. Discuss Religiousness and Spirituality
Engaging in conversations about spirituality and beliefs. Clients who are interested in spirituality or religion may also find that engaging in such activities is beneficial.
4. Conclusions
The present study aims to offer practical suggestions to positive therapists in their approach towards survivors of rape. Therapists and researchers in positive psychology are encouraged to publish their research or experiences to address a significant lack of knowledge in treating rape survivors using positive therapy.
