Rape and Mental Health Outcomes Among Women: Examining the Moderating Effects of “Healthy” Fear Levels

Authors

Ryan E. Spohn, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Emily M. Wright, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Johanna C. Peterson, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-3-2016

Publication Title

Violence Against Women

Abstract

This study examined the mediating and moderating impact of fear of victimization on the relationships between forcible and vicarious rape on depression and PTSD among college women. Forcible and vicarious rape positively affected PTSD and depression symptomology, but fear did not mediate these relationships. Fear moderated the impact of forcible rape on PTSD, but was not a moderator for depression. Findings suggest that there may be “healthy” levels of fear in the aftermath of victimization where having too little fear may leave women unnecessarily vulnerable to victimization, while having too much fear may lead to social isolation and withdrawal.

Comments

The final published version of this article can be found here: http://vaw.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/07/01/1077801216655625.abstract.

Recommended Citation

Spohn, Ryan E.; Wright, Emily M.; and Peterson, Johanna C., "Rape and Mental Health Outcomes Among Women: Examining the Moderating Effects of “Healthy” Fear Levels" (2016). Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty Publications. 23.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/criminaljusticefacpub/23