NCJ Number
115056
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 355-370
Date Published
1988
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Data from 204 recent rape victims and a matched comparison group of 173 women formed the basis of an analysis of the short-term and long-term effects of rape on victims' self-esteem.
Abstract
The study participants were all age 16 or over and had been taken to a hospital-based medical examination and treatment center by police after reporting a forcible rape. They were assessed using a 48-item instrument providing self-reports on multiple dimensions of self-esteem. They were assessed at 6-21 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 years after being assaulted. Findings indicated that victims experiences short-term and long-term problems in self-esteem, relationships with significant others, work satisfaction, relationships with authority, hope for the future, happiness with life, and relationships with parents. Compared with nonvictims, victims reported impaired relationships with significant others 1 year after the assault, significantly lower self-esteem 18 months after the assault, and lower satisfaction in relationships with their parents at the 2-year post-assault assessment. Further research should focus on the effects of rape on individuals close to the victim and on the impact of their reactions on the self-concept of rape victims. Tables, figures, and 17 references. (Author abstract modified)