Trauma victim: yes or no? Why it may be difficult to answer questions regarding violence, sexual abuse, and other traumatic events.
The aim of this study is to explore the reasons why it may be difficult to answer questions regarding violence, sexual abuse, and other potentially traumatic events (PTEs). Qualitative and quantitative methods are used with a nonrepresentative community sample of 628 women who respond to a Web survey. Altogether, 65% do not find it difficult to answer any PTE questions. Difficulties in answering occur more frequently with violence and sexual abuse items and are associated with exposure. Reasons for difficulties in answering include "event fit" (severity, frequency, force), "me as a victim" (responsibility, reactions, protection, memory), and "you as abuser" (intention, protection).
Thoresen
Siri
S
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Norway.
Øverlien
Carolina
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult