Sexual Trauma and Mental Distress among Former Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Individuals

Background: Disaffiliating from an ultra-Orthodox society is a risk factor for psychological distress, depression, and suicide ideation because the process involves encountering culture shock, education gaps, and disconnection from familiar surroundings. Traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse may augment distress among ex-ultra-Orthodox individuals (ex-ULTOIs). Objective: This study examined the prevalence of past sexual trauma among ex-ULTOIs, and assessed the contribution of experiences of sexual trauma to psychopathology among this population. Methods: In an online cross-sectional survey among ex-ULTOIs (N = 724, aged 19–54, 47.9% women), anonymously completed questionnaires concerning prior sexual trauma, psychopathology, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and suicide ideation and behavior. Results: Sexual trauma was reported by 252 (34.8%) of the respondents, of whom 150 (20.7%) reported being sexually assaulted by a family member. Sexual trauma was associated with increased levels of emotional distress, including a higher probability of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicide risk. Conclusions: Sexually traumatic experiences are prevalent among ex-ULTOIs. Sexual trauma was found to be associated with an increased risk of emotional distress and psychopathology. Bearing in mind that this population is, by definition, vulnerable to high levels of emotional distress, the study results highlight the importance of screening for sexual trauma in order to identify and treat ex-ULTOIs who have experienced sexual abuse. Moreover, therapeutic programs specifically focusing on this vulnerable population are warranted.