Abstract
Discusses the somatic and psychological consequences of rape. Somatic consequences include genital and nongential physical injuries and sexually transmitted diseases. Unreflected in reviews of acute consequences are those victims who present with delayed consequences and chronic illnesses such as pain disorders. Stress-related health effects are also discussed. Cognitive changes include the alteration of cognitive schema and the changes in the relationship of causal attributions to distress. Psychological symptoms are common and continue for many years after sexual assault; these symptoms include anxiety, depression, and lowered sexual functioning and satisfaction. The authors then focus on psychological models and constructs of the aftereffects of rape, such as the PTSD construct, and examine theoretical explanations for the creation of PTSD symptoms. Common themes and limitations of current models are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)
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