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A model for predicting depression in victims of rape
C Regehr1, G Regehr, J Bradford
1Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 23, 1999
Summary
Women who believe they lack control over life events are more prone to depression after rape. Higher perceived internal control is linked to better outcomes, education, and employment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Long-standing depression is a significant issue for survivors of sexual assault.
- Understanding contributing factors is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model factors influencing persistent depression in women following rape.
- To explore the roles of locus of control and attributions in post-rape depression.
Main Methods:
- Path analysis was used with data from 71 women survivors of rape.
- Examined relationships between generalized beliefs of control, attributions of responsibility, and depression.
Main Results:
- Beliefs of low personal control correlated with attributing rape responsibility to internal factors and increased depression.
- Higher perceived internal control was associated with higher education, employment, and lower depression rates over one year post-rape.
- Childhood sexual abuse did not significantly correlate with control beliefs, attributions, or depression in this sample.
Conclusions:
- Internal locus of control and attributions are key factors in understanding long-term depression after rape.
- Findings have implications for prognosis and treatment recommendations in clinical and legal assessments.