Evaluation of an information processing model following sexual assault

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Trauma Studies
• Victimology

Background:

• Individuals exhibit varied responses to trauma, influencing how they integrate experiences into existing beliefs.
• An information processing model by Resick and Schnicke (1992) identifies assimilation, accommodation, and over-accommodation as key trauma response patterns.
• Littleton (2007) linked these response patterns to distinct coping strategies in rape victims.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate Littleton's (2007) findings on trauma response patterns in a college rape victim sample using latent profile analysis (LPA).
• To examine the relationship between these response patterns and distress, trauma-related schemas, re-victimization risk behaviors, and re-victimization.

Main Methods:

• Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct trauma response patterns.
• A sample of 340 college rape victims participated in the study.
• Data collected included measures of distress, trauma-related schemas, re-victimization risk behaviors, and re-victimization.

Main Results:

• LPA confirmed the existence of three distinct trauma response patterns.
• Significant differences were observed among the patterns regarding distress levels, schema adherence, and re-victimization risk behaviors.
• No significant differences in re-victimization rates were found, though re-victimization remained prevalent.

Conclusions:

• The study validates the three trauma response patterns in a new sample and highlights their differential impact on psychological outcomes and risk behaviors.
• Findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions that address specific schema-based responses to trauma.
• Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying re-victimization and to refine intervention strategies.