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The development of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and the relationship between PTG and distress outcomes in sexual assault is an important area of investigation. Recent research suggests that some forms of cognitive processing might be critical in the development, maintenance, and resolution of posttraumatic mental health among sexual assault survivors. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with posttraumatic mental health among sexual assault survivors. Seventy-three participants who experienced sexual assault completed measures of trauma symptoms, PTG, changes in outlook, cognitive processing, and support and coping. Results revealed that significant levels of posttraumatic symptomatology and low levels of PTG were reported 3 years following sexual assault. A weak relationship was found between symptoms of distress and growth. Contrary to predictions, only ratings of hope and brooding rumination were mediators of the relationship between posttraumatic symptoms and PTG. Reflective rumination was not related to the development of PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined educational outcomes and experiences of late adolescent immigrant students who entered the Canadian educational system following residence in global war-zone regions or areas of extreme civil unrest. Data from a Statistics Canada data-set of 18- to 20-year-old respondents (N = 658) were used to compare the academic achievements, school experiences and self perceptions of war-zone immigrant high school and post-secondary students with those of non-war-zone immigrant youth and Canadian-born youth. The results revealed that war-zone immigrant students performed well in high school and at generally comparable levels to Canadian-born students, however, had longer times to high school completion. High levels of academic engagement, motivation and expectations were seen among war-zone students. Social engagement was found to be lower for both groups of immigrant students. The results are discussed in terms of the positive academic achievements of war-zone immigrant students in Canada and the potential impact of pre-migration traumatic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]