Change in cognitive mediators of rape's impact on psychosocial health across 2 years of recovery.
A previously published cross-sectional model of cognitive mediation of rape's impact on health (M. P. Koss, A. J. Figueredo, & R. J. Prince, 2002) was replicated longitudinally. Rape survivors (n = 59) were assessed 4 times at 3-24 months postrape. Growth curve analysis demonstrated significant change in all mediators and outcomes. Previously reported effects of Characterological Self-Blame, Behavioral Self- Blame, and Maladaptive Beliefs on Psychosocial Distress were partially cross-validated in intercept and slope data. The results suggest that Characterological Self-Blame sets the initial level of Psychosocial Distress and that reduction in Behavioral Self-Blame drives recovery. These effects on distress were wholly mediated through self-blame's association with alterations in beliefs about self and others.
Koss
Mary P
MP
Mel and Enid Zuckerman Arizona College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1632 East Lester, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA. mpk@u.arizona.edu
Figueredo
Aurelio José
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D003289:Convalescence; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires