Am J Psychiatry 1976; 133:413-418
Copyright © 1976 by American Psychiatric Association
Coping behavior of the rape victim
AW Burgess and LL Holmstrom
The coping behavior of rape victims can be analyzed in three distinct
phases--the threat of attack, the attack itself, and the period immediately
thereafter. The authors analyzed the reported coping behavior of 92 women
diagnosed as having rape trauma. Most of the women used verbal, physical,
or cognitive strategies when threatened, although 34 were physically or
psychologically paralyzed. The actual rape prompted coping behaviors in all
but 1 victim. Escaping the situation or the assailant is the primary task
immediately after the attack. In counseling the rape victim, it is
important to understand her individual style of coping, to be supportive of
it, and to suggest alternatives for future stressful situations.
