Randomized Controlled Evaluation of an Early Intervention to Prevent Post-Rape Psychopathology

• NCJ Number: 306979
• Journal: Addictive Behaviors Volume: 45 Issue: 10 Dated: 2007b Pages: 2432-47
• Author(s): Heidi S. Resnick; Ron Acierno; Angela Waldrop; Lynda King; Daniel King; Carla Danielson; Kenneth J. Ruggiero; Dean Kilpatrick
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 16 pages

Annotation

This study evaluated the efficacy of a video intervention to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems implemented prior to the forensic medical examination conducted post-sexual assault.

Abstract

A video intervention to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems was associated with lower scores on measures of PTSD and depression among women with a prior rape history relative to scores among women with a prior rape history in the standard care condition. A randomized between-group design was used to evaluate the efficacy of a video intervention to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems implemented prior to the forensic medical examination conducted within 72 hours post-sexual assault. Depression scores were also lower among those with a prior rape history who were in the video relative to the standard care condition. Participants were 140 female victims of sexual assault (68 video/72 nonvideo) aged 15 years or older. Assessments were targeted for 6 weeks (Time 1) and 6 months (Time 2) post-assault. Small effects indicating higher PTSD and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores among women without a prior rape history in the video condition were observed. Accelerated longitudinal growth curve analysis indicated a video×prior rape history interaction for PTSD, yielding four patterns of symptom trajectory over time. Women with a prior rape history in the video condition generally maintained the lowest level of symptoms. (Published Abstract Provided)