Beyond Fear: The Role of Peritraumatic Responses in Posttraumatic Stress and Depressive Symptoms Among Female Crime Victims

• NCJ Number: 237075
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2008 Pages: 853-868
• Author(s): Shireen L. Rizvi; Debra Kaysen; Cassidy A. Gutner; Michael G. Griffin; Patricia A. Resick
• Date Published: June 2008
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01-MH 46992; F32-AA-014728; R29-MH-55688
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services; National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined peritraumatic (and posttrauma) responses in a sample of female crime victims.

Abstract

This study examined peritraumatic (and posttrauma) responses in a sample of female crime victims who had been sexually or physically assaulted within the previous 2 months. Women were interviewed about their emotional and behavioral responses during the trauma and assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptomatology. Results indicate that women experience a wide range of behavioral and emotional responses during a traumatic event and that these responses have implications for posttrauma adjustment. Women who experienced behaviors typical of a freeze response are more likely to have a greater degree of symptomatology after the assault. Peritraumatic emotions, other than fear, such as sadness, humiliation, and anger, also appear to be related to posttrauma depression symptoms. These findings highlight the necessity of exploring the full range of possible reactions during a trauma. (Published Abstract)