How Does Trauma Beget Trauma?: Cognitions About Risk in Women with Abuse Histories

• NCJ Number: 206735
• Journal: Child Maltreatment Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2004 Pages: 292-303
• Author(s): Daniel W. Smith; Joanne L. Davis; Adrienne E. Fricker-Elhai
• Date Published: August 2004
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study compared the social cognitions concerning risk behaviors in adult women with and without histories of interpersonal victimization.

Abstract

Although previous studies have focused on the long- and short-term effects of child abuse, there is a relative lack of information about the potential importance of social-cognitive variables in explaining the long-term consequences of child abuse on adult survivors. The current study addressed this gap in the literature by examining the associations between perceived risks and benefits of drug use, unsafe sexual behavior, alcohol use, and aggressive/illegal behavior in a sample of 340 college women with and without histories of interpersonal victimization. Participants completed the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events, the Short Inventory of Problems, the Trauma Symptom Inventory, a personal history questionnaire, and reported on their alcohol consumption habits during the previous 30 days. Results of statistical analyses revealed that the women with trauma histories were more likely to perceive greater benefits and lower risk associated with risky sexual behavior, illicit drug use, and heavy drinking than their counterparts with no trauma history. In terms of future expectations, the trauma survivors were more likely to predict involvement in risky sexual behavior, drug use, and heavy drinking. Results of regression analyses indicated that when trauma-related symptoms were controlled, cognitions about the risks and benefits of risky behavior mediated the relationship between victim status and expected involvement in risky behaviors. Thus, social cognitions appeared to significantly contribute to judgments about future risk behaviors. The findings have the potential to assist clinicians and prevention specialists working with victims to reduce risk of repeat victimization. Future research should focus on exploring the mechanisms by which these cognitions develop. Tables, references