Adjustment to rape.

Investigated rape victims' reactions, causal attributions for the rape, coping behaviors after the rape, and psychological adjustment to the rape by administering a questionnaire to 58 females who had been raped within the past 2 yrs. All but 1 S were aged 16–42 yrs; this S was aged 76 yrs. Findings show that, as in previous research, high levels of behavioral and characterological self-blame for rape were found. Contrary to prior hypotheses, behavioral self-blame was not associated with good adjustment. Rather, both behavioral and characterological self-blame were associated with poor adjustment. Societal blame was the only causal attribution for rape that was unassociated with adjustment. Remaining at home and withdrawing from others were both associated with poor adjustment, and the use of stress reduction techniques was associated with good adjustment. Implications for theories of victimization and for clinical interventions with rape victims are discussed. (37 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reactions to rape victims: Effects of rape circumstances, victim's emotional response, and sex of helper.

Case reports purported to have come from the records of a sexual abuse care center were presented to 98 female and 107 male undergraduates who then judged the impact of the rape experience on the victims' psychological adjustment and indicated their likely counseling goals for her. Three types of rape circumstances (home blitz, outside blitz, acquaintance) were varied with 3 types of postrape manifest emotional reactions (upset–anger, upset–guilt, calm) and S sex. Upset victims were seen as having more serious and more long-lasting problems, were more likely to be encouraged to try and forget the incident, and were less likely to be encouraged to accept personal responsibility for the assault than were calm victims. Ss, especially men, evaluated victims' degree of emotional upset as a function of rape circumstances, with blitz-type assaults perceived as most upsetting. Consistent sex differences indicated that women were more sympathetic with and more willing to talk with rape victims than were men. Results are discussed in terms of popular assumptions about rape victims and sex differences in identification with and empathy for female rape victims. Implications for training of professional and paraprofessional counselors are noted. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Patterns of recovery from trauma: The use of intraindividual analysis.

Patterns of recovery from sexual and nonsexual assault were examined. Two studies containing data from female victims of these assaults were analyzed. In Study 1, victims (N?=?101) underwent 12 weekly assessments with measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and state anxiety. In Study 2, victims (N?=?108) underwent monthly assessments on the same measures. The authors examined the effects of type of trauma and time of peak reaction on long-term recovery using intraindividual analysis of change. In both studies, initial and peak reactions of rape victims were more severe than were those of nonsexual assault victims on all measures of psychopathology. Victims with delayed peak reaction exhibited more severe pathology at the final assessment than did victims with early peak reaction. Results of Study 2 indicated a slower recovery rate from sexual than nonsexual assault; in Study 1 a similar pattern of recovery emerged. The advantages of an individual-focused, longitudinal approach to recovery from a trauma are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A longitudinal examination of fear reactions in victims of rape.

Investigated fear reactions in rape victims for 1 yr following their assaults. 150 female victims, over 15 yrs of age, seen approximately 2 wks after the assault and at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 mo postrape, were compared with a matched control group of nonvictims seen at the same intervals. To control for the effects of repeated testing, 3 additional groups of victims were assessed only once at either 2, 4, or 8 mo postrape. All participants completed the Modified Fear Survey Schedule (MFS), which yielded a total fearfulness index as well as 6 subscale scores: rape fears, animal fears, classical fears, social–interpersonal fears, tissue-damage fears, and miscellaneous fears. Following the assault, victims were significantly more fearful than nonvictim controls as indicated by their overall MFS score and most of the subscale scores. Although their overall fearfulness declined somewhat and stabilized by 2 mo postassault, victims remained significantly more fearful than nonvictim controls at 12 mo postassault. The rape fears and classical fears subscales seemed to contribute most to this elevation. Results from the single-testing victim groups indicated that repeated assessment had no effect on participants' scores. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treatment of pulmonary hypertension with inhaled nitric oxide during hepatic transplantation in an adolescent: reversibility of pulmonary hypertension after transplantation

Accusations of rape or sexual harassment are currently very high-profile in the military. This article discusses rape allegations in the military legal system from a psychiatric perspective. The original definition of "rape trauma syndrome" and subsequent psychiatric thinking about the diagnosis are briefly outlined. Common reactions seen in military victims in this era are described. A prototypical military case is presented. An adequate evaluation of an alleged victim is outlined. Credentials and preparation of an expert witness are also briefly discussed, with cautions about the use of expert testimony in cases of alleged sexual assault and rape trauma syndrome.     

An assessment of long-term reaction to rape.

Examined reactions to rape by interviewing 27 female rape victims at least 1 yr after the assault and assessing their current functioning through such measures as the Beck Depression Inventory and Profile of Mood States. Victims were significantly more depressed and reported less pleasure in daily activities than 26 matched nonvictim controls. Ss who had been victims of sudden violent attacks by complete strangers showed the most severe reactions, being even more depressed, fatigued, and fearful and getting less satisfaction from activities than victims of other types of assaults. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Deceiving others/deceiving oneself: four cases of factitious rape

Although patients with factitious disorders typically seek the "patient" role through illness portrayals, some instead portray themselves falsely as "victims." We discuss the cases of four women who claimed to have been victims of rape; the allegations ultimately were disproved. Factitious rape may be prompted by a search for nurturance; by dissociation, leading individuals to believe that trauma earlier in life is ongoing; by a need to be rescued from real, current abuse; and by projection of anger onto specific male targets. Although dramatic, factitious rape is rare, we advocate thorough investigation of rape claims even when patients have known histories of deceptive behavior.     

Victims of rape: Repeated assessment of depressive symptoms.

115 rape victims (aged 15–71 yrs) were examined at 2 wks and at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 mo after the assault. A matched control group of 87 nonvictims was seen at the same intervals. To control for the effects of repeated testing, 3 additional groups of 22–26 victims were assessed only once at 2, 4, or 8 mo postrape. All Ss completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Depression. Depressive symptoms were significantly higher in victims of rape than in nonvictim controls following the assault. By 4 mo postrape, depressive symptoms in the victim group had diminished to the level shown by the nonvictim control group. Results from the single-testing victim groups indicated that repeated assessment affected the self-report measure, but not the interviewer-rated measure. Variables reflecting pre-rape functioning were more predictive of continued problems with depressive symptoms than were demographic variables or variables associated with the rape and its aftermath. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of postassault exposure to attack-similar stimuli on long-term recovery of victims.

Recent studies have suggested a classical conditioning explanation for the "core of distress" symptom reported by rape victims that reportedly persists well after most other symptoms have subsided. The current study tested an extension of this theory to the long-term reactions of victims of domestic assault and nondomestic assault in addition to victims of rape. Level of long-term psychological distress was found to be strongly related to level of victim exposure to stimuli in the absence of a subsequent attack; long-term distress level was found to be unrelated to short-term distress level when controlling for level of exposure to attack-similar stimuli. Results suggest the tenability of a classical conditioning model of long-term psychological distress experienced by victims of the types of assault studied, thus highlighting the importance of situational variables in the recovery process. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-reported health and behavioral problems among adolescent victims of rape in France: results of a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: To measure the prevalence rate of rape among French adolescents; to analyze the associated health and behavioral problems; to analyze the use of the health care system by rape victims. METHOD: A national representative sample of 8,140 students attending public secondary schools in France (grades 8 to 12) filled in a self-administered questionnaire (274 questions) on health and behavior problems (acceptance rate = 87%). Each rape victim in the sample (n = 61) was matched to two nonvictims (n = 122). RESULTS: The reported prevalence rate of rape was .8% (.9% among girls, .6% among boys). For both boys and girls, there was a relationship between rape and current sleep difficulties, depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, tobacco consumption, and behavior problems (running away, violent behavior, stealing, and school absenteeism). Additional problems were associated for boy rape victims: attempted suicide, regular use of alcohol and of illicit drugs. Rape victims did consult health professionals, but the majority saw neither a mental health specialist nor a social worker. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that rape victims, especially boys, have more behavior problems and health problems than nonrape victims. Authors suggest that adolescents who have ran away from home, attempted suicide, or manifested violent behavior should be systematically asked about rape.     

Effects of long-term exposure to violent and sexually degrading depictions of women.

Investigated the effects of emotional desensitization to films of violence against women and the effects of sexually degrading explicit and nonexplicit films on beliefs about rape and the sexual objectification of women. Males viewed either 2 or 5 R-rated violent "slasher," X-rated nonviolent "pornographic," or R-rated nonviolent teenage-oriented ("teen sex") films. Affective reactions and cognitive perceptions were measured after each exposure. Later, these men and no-exposure control Ss completed a voir dire questionnaire, viewed a reenacted acquaintance or nonacquaintance sexual assault trial, and judged the defendant and alleged rape victim. Ss in the violent condition became less anxious and depressed and showed declines in negative affective responses. They were also less sympathetic to the victim and less empathetic toward rape victims in general. However, longer film exposure was necessary to affect general empathy. There were no differences in response between the R-rated teen sex film and the X-rated, sexually explicit, nonviolent film, and the no-exposure control conditions on the objectification or the rape trial variables. A model of desensitization to media violence and the carryover to decision making about victims is proposed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The impact of rape on sexual satisfaction.

Asked 15 adult rape victims to rate, retrospectively, their satisfaction with 23 sex-related activities prior to and after the rape. Sexual satisfaction with a wide variety of sex-related behaviors decreased substantially following the rape, although autoerotic and primarily affectional experiences appeared to be unaffected by the rape. Moreover, the current satisfaction with sexual relations reported by rape victims was significantly less than that reported by a nonraped sample, even though the 2 groups did not differ in terms of frequency with which they engaged in various sexual activities or experienced orgasms. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparison of normal forgetting, psychopathology, and information-processing models of reported amnesia for recent sexual trauma.

This study assessed memories for sexual trauma in a nontreatment-seeking sample of recent rape victims and considered competing explanations for failed recall. Participants were 92 female rape victims assessed within 2 weeks of the rape; 62 were also assessed 3 months postassault. Memory deficits for parts of the rape were common 2 weeks postassault (37%) but improved over the 3 month window studied (16% still partially amnesic). Hypotheses evaluated competing models of explanation that may account for reported recall deficits. Results are most consistent with information processing models of traumatic memory. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perceptions of stranger and acquaintance rape: The role of benevolent and hostile sexism in victim blame and rape proclivity.

In Studies 1 and 2, after reading an acquaintance-rape but not a stranger-rape scenario, higher benevolent sexist but not hostile sexist participants blamed the victim significantly more. In Study 2, higher hostile sexist but not benevolent sexist male participants showed significantly greater proclivity to commit acquaintance (but not stranger) rape. Studies 3 and 4 supported the hypothesis that the effects of benevolent sexism and hostile sexism are mediated by different perceptions of the victim, as behaving inappropriately and as really wanting sex with the rapist. These findings show that benevolent sexism and hostile sexism underpin different assumptions about women that generate sexist reactions toward rape victims. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Coping strategies and posttraumatic stress disorder in female victims of sexual and nonsexual assault.

The coping behaviors and (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) symptoms of 215 female assault victims (103 rape victims and 112 nonsexual assault victims) were assessed within 2 weeks following the assault (Time I), and 133 of them (62%) were followed up 3 mo later (Time 2). Posttrauma symptom severity significantly decreased during the 3-mo study period, but PTSD severity levels at Times I and 2 were highly correlated. Three coping scales were constructed on the basis of exploratory factor analyses: Mobilizing Support, Positive Distancing, and Wishful Thinking. Three mo postassault, rape victims showed higher levels of wishful thinking and PTSD than nonsexual assault victims. Wishful thinking showed a positive association and positive distancing a negative association with PTSD severity, controlling for assault type, initial levels of PTSD severity, and other coping strategies. The clinical relevance of these findings is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychotherapy with rape victims.

Reviews literature on psychological response and treatment of rape victims. A model of victim response is presented that posits 5 phases: initial, denial, symptom formation, anger, and resolution. It is predicted that psychotherapists will be treating rape victims with greater frequency in the future. Attitudes of the public and law enforcement officers are changing; there is a lessening of the stigma and insensitive treatment rape victims experienced in the past. Rape crisis centers are proliferating across the US, and more and more victims are coming forward to report the assault. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

钒页岩氯化挥发富集过程的热力学分析

对钒页岩与氯化钠、氯化钙和氯化铁三种固体氯化剂氯化挥发富集过程进行热力学分析。结果表明,以氯化铁作为固体氯化剂效果较好,可以利用氯化铁对V_2O_4、V_2O_5的直接氯化和氯化铁离解产生的氯气对V_2O_3、V_2O_4、V_2O_5的间接氯化反应,有效地将钒氧化物氯化挥发富集,且反应程度随温度的升高而增大。在高温焙烧过程中,Fe_2O_3、Al_2O_3和SiO_2不能被氯化,钒页岩中氧化物氯化反应自发进行的难易程度由易到难分别为K_2O、Na_2O、CaO、V_2O_3、V_2O_4、V_2O_5、MgO。通过焙烧温度的控制可以将V与Fe、Al、K、Na、Ca和Mg等金属杂质有效分离。     

The psychological impact of rape victims.

This review article examines rape victims' experiences seeking postassault assistance from the legal, medical, and mental health systems and how those interactions impact their psychological well-being. This literature suggests that although some rape victims have positive, helpful experiences with social system personnel, for many victims, postassault help seeking becomes a "second rape," a secondary victimization to the initial trauma. Most reported rapes are not prosecuted, victims treated in hospital emergency departments do not receive comprehensive medical care, and many victims do not have access to quality mental health services. In response to growing concerns about the community response to rape, new interventions and programs have emerged that seek to improve services and prevent secondary victimization. The contributions of rape crisis centers, restorative justice programs, and sexual assault nurse examiner programs are examined. Strategies for creating more visible and impactful roles for psychologists and allied professionals are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Community services for rape survivors: Enhancing psychological well-being or increasing trauma?

This research examined how contact with the legal, medical, and mental health systems affects rape survivors' psychological well-being. Although community services may be beneficial for some victims, there is increasing evidence that they can add trauma, rather than alleviate distress (termed secondary victimization). This study examined how secondary victimization affects rape survivors' posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Adaptive and snowball sampling were used to recruit a sample of 102 rape survivors. Victims of nonstranger rape who received minimal assistance from either the legal or medical system, and encountered victim-blaming behaviors from system personnel, had significantly elevated levels of PTS. This high-risk group of rape survivors had PTS levels significantly higher than all other victims in this study, including those who did not seek community assistance postrape. However, for these high-risk rape survivors, receiving sustained mental health services after these negative experiences was associated with a significant decrease in PTS. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Police officer as victim.

Police officers are at risk of becoming the victims of physical and psychological violence resulting in serious trauma. Posttraumatic reactions to shootings and other life- and ego-threatening events are influenced by situational factors such as authority role, peer-group pressures, and macho values. Police officers often use the defense of denial and consciously or unconsciously reject any feelings of fear or anxiety. Responses to a stressful situation may be affected by organizational expectations and personality defenses. The changes in perception that occur during highly traumatic situations are discussed. A posttraumatic syndrome may develop that is characterized by guilt and depression, withdrawal reactions and feelings of alienation, and psychosomatic illnesses. Stress overload and burnout reactions can be attenuated by sensitive handling by police managers and psychologists. A support and referral network should be provided to assist officer victims. (56 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)