NCJ Number
161885
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1996) Pages: 65-78
Date Published
1996
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether two trauma characteristics that are hypothesized to relate to perceptions of safety, assault location and assailant identity, predict the rate and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in female rape victims.
Abstract
Post-trauma beliefs about the safety of the world and one's own invulnerability are thought to influence post-trauma reactions. In addition to evaluating two trauma characteristics as predictors of PTSD, the authors of this study also attempted to reduce the confound of assault brutality. Results indicated that women assaulted in locations rated as safe had significantly more severe overall PTSD symptoms than women assaulted in dangerous locations. However, contrary to the authors' prediction, women assaulted by dangerous assailants reported significantly more severe PTSD symptoms than women assaulted by assailants rated as safe. Assault brutality and violation of safety expectations may represent two distinct aspects of the assault, both influencing the severity of post-trauma reactions. Tables, references