Psychosocial correlates of PTSD symptom severity in sexual assault survivors

Ullman, Sarah E.; Filipas, Henrietta H.; Townsend, Stephanie; Starzynski, Laura L.

doi:10.1002/jts.20290

Cited by 228 publications

(262 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Studies show that psychiatric symptoms are developed after sexual assault in a significant number of cases [11]. Symptoms of depression were identified in four of the cases in the present study.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 60%

The importance of curettage in cases of sexual violence

Çelbiş¹,

Börk²,

Karaer³

et al. 2017

Med-Science

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Sexual assault is among the gravest crime against the physical and moral integrity of an individual. When sexual assault results in pregnancy it causes further psychological and social damage. This study aims to examine the reasons for delayed reporting in cases of sexual assault that result in pregnancy, and the importance of abortion in such cases. Seven cases referred by the judicial authorities to Inonu University's Turgut Ozal Medical Center for uterine evacuation are included in the study. The cases were examined in terms of age, whether the parents were still alive, place of residence, assaulter characteristics, mental levels of victims, psychiatric examination results, and gestational week upon referral to the hospital. The mean age of the cases was 17.42±2.76 years. Six of the cases were referred from Malatya and one was referred from a neighboring province. Four of the cases were past their 10th gestational week. Abortions were performed in six of the cases. One of the women, in the 19th week of pregnancy, decided not to have the abortion upon consultation with her family. The women in the cases were, on average, 76 days pregnant upon referral to the center. Their medical histories indicated that five of the cases hid their pregnancy because they were concerned about their family's reaction. None of the cases knew that they were able to end the pregnancy until week 20. Pregnancy is one of the unwanted and preventable consequences of sexual assault. The family's attitude toward the victim plays an important role in earlier detection of the cases. In addition to legislation concerning ending pregnancies, victims and families should be informed about this topic to prevent further trauma for the victim and the to be born child.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 60%

The importance of curettage in cases of sexual violence

Çelbiş¹,

Börk²,

Karaer³

et al. 2017

Med-Science

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“…However, such a model had not been examined previously in a South African setting. It has been suggested that the use of avoidant coping strategies may help to explain the relationship between PTSD and substance use (Santello and Leitenberg, 1993;Ullman et al, 2007;Valentiner et al, 1996). This deserves further investigation in the South African setting, where it may help to inform culturally appropriate ways to break the cycle between trauma and substance use.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Mediate the Relationship Between Traumatic Experiences and Drinking Behavior Among Women Attending Alcohol Serving Venues in a South African Township

Watt

Ranby

Meade

et al. 2012

J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs

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ABSTRACT. Objective: South Africa has high rates of traumatic experiences and alcohol abuse or dependence, especially among women. Traumatic experiences often result in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and PTSD has been associated with hazardous drinking. This article examines the relationship between traumatic events and hazardous drinking among women who patronized alcohol-serving venues in South Africa and examines PTSD as a mediator of this relationship. Method: A total of 560 women were recruited from a Cape Town township. They completed a computerized assessment that included alcohol consumption, history of traumatic events, and PTSD symptoms. Mediation analysis examined whether PTSD symptoms mediated the relationship between the number of traumatic event categories experienced (range: 0-7) and drinking behavior. Results: The mean Alcohol Use Disorders Identifi cation Test score in the sample was 12.15 (range: 0-34, SD = 7.3), with 70.9% reaching criteria for hazardous drinking (AUDIT ≥ 8). The mean PTSD score was 36.32 (range: 17-85, SD = 16.3), with 20.9% meeting symptom criteria for PTSD (PTSD ChecklistCivilian Version ≥ 50). Endorsement of traumatic experiences was high, including adult emotional (51.8%), physical (49.6%), and sexual (26.3%) abuse; childhood physical (35.0%) and sexual (25.9%) abuse; and other types of trauma (83%). All categories of traumatic experiences, except the "other" category, were associated with hazardous drinking. PTSD symptoms mediated 46% of the relationship between the number of traumatic categories experienced and drinking behavior. Conclusions: Women reported high rates of hazardous drinking and high levels of PTSD symptoms, and most had some history of traumatic events. There was a strong relationship between traumatic exposure and drinking levels, which was largely mediated by PTSD symptoms. Substance use interventions should address histories of trauma in this population, where alcohol may be used in part to cope with past traumas. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs, 73, 549-558, 2012)

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“…Campbell et al [21]) and such blame reactions further intensify the feelings of self blame [22]. Research indicates that high levels of perpetrator blame are associated with low levels of victim blame [23].…”

Section: Rape Myths and Rape Related Attitudesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Young Adults’ Attitudes towards Rape and Rape Victims: Effects of Gender and Social Category

Singh¹

2017

JPCPY

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Violence against women, especially rapes, has been a pervasive problem in the society. It is well documented that victims of rape not only experience serious short and longterm psychological harm as a direct result of the assault, but may also be stigmatized by others (e.g., be blamed for not resisting enough). While there are sufficient studies in the developed countries that have examined how various gender and other ideologies relate to prejudiced attitudes toward rape victims, much less work has been done in developing nations such as India. Because of increased incidents of rapes in the recent past, it becomes increasingly necessary to understand the attitude people form towards rape and rape victims. Thus the present study was planned to understand the prevalent rape myths and attitudes of young adults, and to explore gender and social identity as factors influencing the attitudes towards rape and rape victims. A total of 208 participants, both males and females responded to a Rape Myth Acceptance Scale, Attitude towards Victims Scale and Causal Attribution towards Sexual Violence Scale. Results indicated that compared to male respondents, females hold lesser rape myths but have more negative attitude towards victims of rape. Results also reveal the significant effects of social category and gender on causal attribution for sexual violence. The results of this study are important in improving our understanding of the attitudes young adults hold towards rape and rape victims and present a need to develop strategies to dispel negative stereotypes that individuals hold about victims of rape.

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Psychosocial correlates of PTSD symptom severity in sexual assault survivors

Cited by 228 publications

References 36 publications

The importance of curettage in cases of sexual violence

The importance of curettage in cases of sexual violence

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Mediate the Relationship Between Traumatic Experiences and Drinking Behavior Among Women Attending Alcohol Serving Venues in a South African Township

Young Adults’ Attitudes towards Rape and Rape Victims: Effects of Gender and Social Category

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