Limitations and Conclusions
Among the limitations of our study was that we derived all our prevalence estimates and
correlates from self-reports of precisely the types of events that are notoriously underreported
in this age group. However, we took several steps to maximize the likelihood that
abuse events would be disclosed. First, and in light of research on younger adults,9 we did not
use either open-ended or culturally loaded questions to determine victimization status.
Open-ended questions that prompt participants to respond to general queries (e.g., ‘‘Please tell me about any times where people might have treated you badly’’) do not regularly result in
descriptions of assault events. We also conducted interviews when the participant was alone or was able to speak privately without fear of being overheard, which increased the likelihood of
disclosure.