NCJ Number
128849
Journal
Psychology of Women Quarterly Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 27-40
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The primary role of clinicians in the treatment of rape victims is the identification and handling of chronic, post-traumatic responses to a nonrecent experience.
Abstract
Because few women seek psychotherapy immediately post-assault, because intervention during the initial post-assault period lacks clearcut evidence of efficacy, and because a sizable number of victims seek psychotherapy often months to years after the assault, clinicians must be prepared to address the needs of the nonrecent victim. However, much of the existing literature on rape treatment addresses only the symptoms that represent the immediate traumatic response to rape. The resolution of a traumatic experience has several components: (1) gaps in knowledge must be filled in to allow correct cognition and perception; (2) affect must be expressed and managed appropriately; and (3) new behavioral patterns of coping must be developed. Successful cognitive re-appraisals emphasize positive attributes, including the discovered ability to cope, adapt, learn, grow, and become self-reliant, and produce a greater sense of strength, depth, maturity, sensitivity, honesty, and self-confidence. A primary need in rape victim research is to develop a better understanding of the nature of the long-term cognitive-emotional responses associated with sexual assault. 49 references (Author abstract modified)