Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Mechanism in the Relationship between Early Sexual Victimization and Incapacitated/ Drug-or-Alcohol-Facilitated and Forcible Rape

Authors

Kate Walsh, Medical University of South CarolinaFollow
David DiLillo, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Alicia Klanecky, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Dennis McChargue, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

WALSH, ET AL. , JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 28 (2013)

Abstract

Sexual assault occurring when the victim is unable to consent or resist due to the use or administra-tion of alcohol or drugs (i.e., incapacitated/drug-or-alcohol-facilitated rape; IR/DAFR) is a particu-larly prevalent form of victimization experienced by college women. By definition, substance use precedes IR/DAFR; however, few studies have examined other potential risk factors for IR/DAFR that may be unique from those associated with forcible rape (FR; i.e., sexual assault occurring due to threats or physical restraint). The present investigation tested a model of risk for IR/DAFR and FR suggesting that child or adolescent sexual abuse (CASA) leads to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, which in turn increase the likelihood of IR/DAFR, but not FR. Results revealed full mediation for PTSD hyperarousal symptoms in the pathway between CASA and IR/DAFR, and partial mediation for hyperarousal symptoms in the pathway between CASA and FR. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.