TY - JOUR
T1 - PTSD as a mediator of sexual revictimization
T2 - The role of reexperiencing, avoidance, and arousal symptoms
AU - Risser, Heather J.
AU - Hetzel-Riggin, Melanie D.
AU - Thomsen, Cynthia J.
AU - McCanne, Thomas R.
PY - 2006/10
Y1 - 2006/10
N2 - Theory and research suggest that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may mediate the relationship between child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. However, little empirical research has examined the mediational role of PTSD. In the present study, the authors use structural equation modeling to examine the degree to which the three symptom clusters that define PTSD (reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal) contribute to sexual revictimization. To assess PTSD symptomatology, undergraduate women completed questionnaires (N = 1,449), which detailed the history and severity of childhood and adult sexual assault experiences. Results indicated that PTSD mediated sexual revictimization. When PTSD symptom clusters were examined individually, only the hyperarousal cluster was a significant mediator. Results are discussed in terms of information-processing mechanisms that may underlie sexual revictimization.
AB - Theory and research suggest that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may mediate the relationship between child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. However, little empirical research has examined the mediational role of PTSD. In the present study, the authors use structural equation modeling to examine the degree to which the three symptom clusters that define PTSD (reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal) contribute to sexual revictimization. To assess PTSD symptomatology, undergraduate women completed questionnaires (N = 1,449), which detailed the history and severity of childhood and adult sexual assault experiences. Results indicated that PTSD mediated sexual revictimization. When PTSD symptom clusters were examined individually, only the hyperarousal cluster was a significant mediator. Results are discussed in terms of information-processing mechanisms that may underlie sexual revictimization.
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U2 - 10.1002/jts.20156
DO - 10.1002/jts.20156
M3 - Article
C2 - 17075896
AN - SCOPUS:33947263121
SN - 0894-9867
VL - 19
SP - 687
EP - 698
JO - Journal of Traumatic Stress
JF - Journal of Traumatic Stress
IS - 5
ER -
