Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

Michelle Davies; Jayne Walker; John Archer; Paul Pollard

2013 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/17596591311313663

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how male and female rape is scripted. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 100 (50 male, 50 female) participants were asked to write down in their own words what they considered to be the typical rape when the victim was either an adult male or female. Findings – Results revealed that men's and women's rape scripts did not dramatically differ, though several differences were revealed between male and female rape scripting, focussing around the gender stereotypes of men verses women. Originality/value – Results are discussed in relation to gender role stereotyping and wider implications are considered.

Anthony Feinstein

2013 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/17596591311313672

Purpose – War journalists confront many dangers, leaving them at risk for mental health problems. They are, however, able to take breaks from the hazards of frontline work by periodically leaving conflict zones for the safety of home. This respite is not afforded local journalists who cover conflict situations. An example of this may be found in Mexico where journalists reporting on the drug cartels may under threat. This inability to seek temporary respite from grave danger may theoretically increase levels of psychological distress. The purpose of this paper is to examine this possibility. Design/methodology/approach – The study sample comprised 104 Mexican journalists and a control group of 104 war journalists (non‐Mexican, demographically matched). Outcome measures included indices of posttraumatic stress disorder (Impact of Event Scale‐Revised)(IES‐R), depression (Beck Depression Inventory‐Revised (BDI‐II) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire‐28 (GHQ‐28). Findings – Mexican journalists had higher scores on the avoidance ( p =0.01), arousal ( p =0.0001), but not intrusion ( p =0.29) scales of the IES‐R. They had higher scores on the BDI‐II ( p =0.0001) and anxiety ( p =0.0001), somatic ( p =0.0001) and social dysfunction ( p =0.01) subscales of the GHQ‐28. Practical implications – Mexican journalists targeted by drug cartels have more psychopathology than journalists who cover war. News organisations that employ journalists in this line of work therefore need to be aware of this and have a mechanism in place to provide treatment, when needed. Originality/value – This is the first study to directly explore the psychological effects of violence on local journalists who do not cover war, but nevertheless live and work in areas of grave danger.

Helen Brunger; Jonathan Serrato; Jane Ogden

2013 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/17596591311313681

Purpose – Ex‐service personnel face numerous and significant problems upon discharge from the forces. The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences of the transition from military to civilian life and to identify some of the barriers and facilitators to re‐employment. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews were carried out with 11 ex‐servicemen who had previously served in the UK armed forces and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Findings – Participants described their experiences in terms of three broad themes: characteristics of a military life; loss as experienced upon return to civilian life; and the attempt to bridge the gap between these two lives. Transcending these themes was the notion of identity, illustrating that the transition from military to civilian life can be viewed as a shift in sense of self from soldier to civilian. Research limitations/implications – The current study only recruited male ex‐service personnel and therefore the findings may not accurately represent the experiences of female service leavers. Practical implications – The military needs to ensure that not only is support provided for all service personnel, but that it goes beyond basic vocational advice. Although the needs of ex‐service personnel are defined by factors other than unemployment, such as trauma or the sudden loss of security, they do relate back to unemployment in some capacity. Methodological changes to the discharge process could help this population to achieve a more continuous trajectory rather than a fragmented one. Originality/value – The present study has provided further insight into the identity experiences of ex‐service personnel along their journey from soldier to civilian. Breakwell's Identity Process Theory provided a valuable framework for understanding the experiences of ex‐service personnel.

Gloria Macassa; Anders Walander; Joaquim Soares

2013 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/17596591311313690

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate differences in victimization among single and married mothers using data ( n =6,388 women) from the 2006 Stockholm County Public Health Survey (SCPHS), a cross‐sectional survey based on a self‐administered postal questionnaire. Design/methodology/approach – Results showed higher odds of victimization among lone mothers compared to married ones. Additionally, the greatest odds of victimization were observed among those with low education, low income, and decreased social and practical support. Findings – In Sweden, particularly in Stockholm, there is a need for future population‐based surveys regarding the prevalence of violence and to identify high risk groups. Furthermore, it is crucial that these surveys include items that will enable investigation of direct links between violence and health effects, and the utilization of health care for these women. Originality/value – This paper is original and it addresses for the first time violence among single mothers within a social epidemiology perspective.