COPING BEHAVIOR OF THE RAPE VICTIM

• NCJ Number: 34001
• Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 133 Issue: 4 Dated: (APRIL 1976) Pages: 413-418
• Author(s): A W BURGESS; L L HOLMSTROM
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 6 pages
• Corporate Author: American Psychiatric Assoc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

ANALYSIS OF THE COPING BEHAVIOR (BEFORE, DURING, AND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ATTACK) OF 92 WOMEN AGED 17-73 DIAGNOSED AS HAVING RAPE TRAUMA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR CRISIS INTERVENTION COUNSELING.

Abstract

MOST OF THE WOMEN USED VERBAL, PHYSICAL, OR COGNITIVE STRATEGIES WHEN THREATENED, ALTHOUGH 34 WERE PHYSICALLY OR PSYCHOLOGICALLY PARALYZED. THE ACTUAL RAPE PROMPTED COPING BEHAVIORS IN ALL BUT ONE VICTIM. ESCAPING THE SITUATION OR THE ASSAILANT IS THE PRIMARY TASK IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ATTACK. THE AUTHORS MAINTAIN THAT, IN COUNSELING THE RAPE VICTIM, IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND HER INDIVIDUAL STYLE OF COPING, TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF IT, AND TO SUGGEST ALTERNATIVES FOR FUTURE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)