Assessment of Long-term Reaction to Rape

• NCJ Number: 77938
• Journal: Journal of Abnormal Psychology Volume: 90 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1981) Pages: 263-266
• Author(s): E M Ellis; B M Atkeson; K S Calhoun
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 4 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH29750
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined long-term effects of rape in victims who had been assaulted at least 1 year previously.

Abstract

A total of 27 adult women who had been rape victims were interviewed and their current functioning assessed through a variety of written measures including the Beck Depression Inventory, the Profile of Mood States, the Social Adjustment Scale (Self-Report Form) and the Modified Fear Survey. A control group of 26 women who matched the victims on age, race, socioeconomic level, and marital status also participated. Findings indicate that victims were significantly more depressed and reported less pleasure in daily activities than matched nonvictim controls. Women who had been victims of sudden violent attacks by strangers showed the most severe reactions, being even more depressed, fatigued, and fearful, and getting less satisfaction from activities than victims of other types of assaults. Tabular data and 14 references are included.