The authors conducted a follow-up study of 81 rape victims to analyze
the effect of adaptive or maladaptive response to rape on recovery over a
4-6 year period. They found that victims recovering fastest used more
adaptive strategies, including positive self-assessment; defense mechanisms
of explanation, minimization, suppression, and dramatization; and increased
action. Victims who had not yet recovered had more maladaptive mechanisms,
such as negative self-assessments, inaction, substance abuse, and action on
suicidal thoughts.
Abstract Teaser