Processing of threat-related information in rape victims.

We investigated selective processing of threat information in persons with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by using a modified Stroop Color and Word Test. Ss were 15 rape victims with PTSD, 13 rape victims without the disorder, and 16 nontraumatized control Ss. They were asked to name the color of 4 types of words: specific threat (rape-related) words, general threat (related to physical harm and death) words, neutral words, and nonwords. Rape victims with PTSD evidenced a longer response latency for color naming of rape-related words than for other target-word types. Response latencies of non-PTSD victims and nonvictim control Ss did not differ across word types. Possible mechanisms underlying the selective processing of threat material are considered, and clinical implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)