The differences in the psychological impact of trauma between female rape and non-sexual assault survivors

Edross, Sadia

The differences in the psychological impact of trauma between female rape and non-sexual assault survivors

Master Thesis

2008

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Psychology

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

International research suggests that rape impacts more negatively on the mental health of rape survivors than non-sexual assault. For both groups the post trauma response has mainly been accounted for by Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Findings from empirical studies are unequivocal that rape survivors are more likely to develop PTSD. Additionally, a rich body of feminist qualitative research has also been generated, which points to a specific post trauma response to rape. In contrast to an abundance of international studies on rape and nonsexual assault, the psychological impact of these traumas on women in South Africa is underresearched. The purpose of the current study was thus to contribute to this gap, and prospectively explored whether the impact of trauma differs between female survivors of rape and non-sexual assault in South Africa.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 155-177).

Keywords

Psychology

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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