The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in a sample of people living with intellectual disability that have been raped or sexually assaulted
Master Thesis
2009
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The phenomena of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people living with intellectual disability that had been raped or sexually assaulted have not previously been researched in the South African context. The aim of the research is to investigate the prevalence of PTSD diagnosis as well as the intensity and frequency of PTSD symptoms in a sample of people living with intellectual disability of whom rape and sexual assault is known and not known. In addition, the study aims to identify differences in the prevalence rates of a PTSD diagnosis as well as the frequency of PTSD symptoms when the self-report of symptoms are compared to caregiver report of symptoms. The study compares 27 participants living with intellectual disability that were raped or sexually assaulted with 27 participants with no reported history of rape or sexual assault. Pat1icipants were recruited from Cape Mental Health Society in Cape Town. PTSD symptoms were reported on the Child PTSD Checklist. Caregivers of the participants in the experimental group were also interviewed for their report of PTSD symptoms that they might have observed in the participant. The DSM-IV-TR criteria for PTSD were used to elicit this information from the caregivers. Rape and sexual assault was associated with higher rates of PTSD diagnosis and higher levels of PTSD symptoms in the experimental group. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of a PTSD diagnosis when the symptoms were either self-reported or caregiver reported, although some differences were found between the self-report and caregiver report on the different criteria of PTSD. The study provides tentative evidence that rape or sexual assault is significantly associated with a higher rate of PTSD diagnosis and increased frequency of PTSD symptoms in people living with intellectual disability. Although differences presented in the rate of PTSD diagnosis when the source of the report was the participant versus the caregiver, these differences were not significant. However, significant differences presented in the criteria of re-experiencing and arousal when the self-report of PTSD symptoms were compared to the caregiver report of PTSD symptoms. The heightened incidents of a PTSD diagnosis as well as increased PTSD symptoms with participants who were raped or sexually assaulted should be a source of concern to those agencies in the South African context that are tasked with the protection and safety of people who live with intellectual disability.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 52-57).
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Reference:
Jasson, A. 2009. The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in a sample of people living with intellectual disability that have been raped or sexually assaulted. University of Cape Town.