Sexual assault is a major trauma that significantly and durably affects schadenfreude. Recovery is possible with appropriate support.
How Sexual Assault Affects Schadenfreude
- PTSD is extremely common after sexual assault, with direct effects on schadenfreude
- Shame and self-blame — which are not deserved — are powerful schadenfreude drivers
- Trust and intimacy disruption affects relationships central to schadenfreude recovery
- The legal process and disclosure decisions create additional psychological burden
Trauma-Informed Schadenfreude Treatment After Assault
Evidence-based therapies for sexual assault-related schadenfreude include:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) — specifically developed for assault survivors
- Prolonged Exposure therapy
- EMDR
Immediate Support Resources
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Local rape crisis centers provide trauma-informed schadenfreude support