Abstract

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) refers to sexual violence that occurs through online and digital communication technology. Although its incidence is increasing, the effects on victims' mental health and the underlying mechanisms have not been extensively studied. This study examined the relationship between TFSV exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder, and attempted to identify the roles of emotion dysregulation and shame in this process. The experiences of TFSV, post-traumatic stress symptoms, emotion dysregulation, and shame were measured through a self-report questionnaire completed by 315 Korean adults. Structural equation modeling revealed a positive TFSV and post-traumatic stress symptoms, a relationship significantly mediated by emotion dysregulation. While the mediating effect of shame was not significant, the sequential mediating effect of emotion dysregulation and shame on the relationship between TFSV and post-traumatic stress symptoms was significant. This finding indicates that TFSV leads to emotional dysregulation, which in turn intensifies shame, contributing to an increase in post-traumatic stress symptoms. This study has clinical implications, as it aims to draw social interest to the rising damage caused by TFSV and proposes treatment targets by examining its effects on victims' mental health and psychological mechanisms.