Social Science Discipline Sexual violence can cause different levels of psychological symptoms. A broader term that people use is PTSD, which indicates the mental dysfunction that victims develop for responding to tragic experiences. Jaxcoy, Zoellner and Foa (2002) research that “most rape victims exhibit PTSD symptoms immediately after an assault and these symptoms persist for years” (p. 892). PTSD can become a lifetime mental disorder, and it can bring a lot of stress to victims. Research by Kaitlin A. Chivers-Wilson (2006) states that “94% of women experienced PTSD symptoms during the first two weeks after an assault” (as cited in “National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, 2005). If there is no intervention or counseling provided
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According to “Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for PTSD in Rape Survivors”, “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy involves four components: breathing retraining, education about PTSD symptoms, imaginal exposure to the trauma itself and confrontation of feared situations, and cognitive restructuring” (p. 893). Breathing retraining relates to the breath rhythm, and deep breath can help people relax and stay away from anxiety. Education is important for victims to recognize what to expect after tragic experiences such as rape, so they can be better equipped with the knowledge to overcome their psychological and emotional issues. Research by Jaxcoy, Zoellner and Foa (2002) explains that exposure to the trauma is to encourage victims to face the situation which they think it’s dangerous, and after repeat of the situation, the level of stress and anxiety will decrease; the purpose of this therapy is to enhance victims’ self - control and competence (P.894-895). This therapy is evident to be effective and helpful for post-rape treatment. Kaitlin A. Chives-Wilson (2006) shows “Participants of the study rated CBT as more credible and had more positive feelings towards this treatment option, citing effectiveness and potential side effects as the two primary factors in their decision” …show more content…
The journal wrote by Ron Acierno, Heidi S. Resnick, Amanda Flood and Melisa Holmes (1996) indicates that “after a traumatic event, 16% of those studied develop alcohol abuse, and 18% develop drug abuse” (as cited in Burnam et al., 1988). Alcohol and drug abuse not only can’t solve victims’ psychological problems, but also it can lead to more severe results such as poverty, serious health condition and diminishing social support. One of the most common reasons victims develop alcohol and drug abuse is due to the stresses as a result of rape and PTSD. According to the article of “An acute post-rape intervention to prevent substance use and abuse”, there is a connection between anxiety and drug abuse, and victims that have PTSD reports that they use CNS depressant to decrease their level of anxiety (as cited in Bremner, Southwick, Darnell, & Charney, 1996). However, drugs do not always lead to desirable results if take without consulting a doctor, and misuse of OTC or prescriptions medications can only worsen the issues. Ron Acierno, Heidi S. Resnick, Amanda Flood and Melisa Holmes (2003) write that intrusive trauma memories can be motivated by drug misuse. As a result, victims could experience the rape over and over, and their symptoms become worse even though they think these drugs are helping them reduce
According to “Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for PTSD in Rape Survivors”, “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy involves four components: breathing retraining, education about PTSD symptoms, imaginal exposure to the trauma itself and confrontation of feared situations, and cognitive restructuring” (p. 893). Breathing retraining relates to the breath rhythm, and deep breath can help people relax and stay away from anxiety. Education is important for victims to recognize what to expect after tragic experiences such as rape, so they can be better equipped with the knowledge to overcome their psychological and emotional issues. Research by Jaxcoy, Zoellner and Foa (2002) explains that exposure to the trauma is to encourage victims to face the situation which they think it’s dangerous, and after repeat of the situation, the level of stress and anxiety will decrease; the purpose of this therapy is to enhance victims’ self - control and competence (P.894-895). This therapy is evident to be effective and helpful for post-rape treatment. Kaitlin A. Chives-Wilson (2006) shows “Participants of the study rated CBT as more credible and had more positive feelings towards this treatment option, citing effectiveness and potential side effects as the two primary factors in their decision” …show more content…
The journal wrote by Ron Acierno, Heidi S. Resnick, Amanda Flood and Melisa Holmes (1996) indicates that “after a traumatic event, 16% of those studied develop alcohol abuse, and 18% develop drug abuse” (as cited in Burnam et al., 1988). Alcohol and drug abuse not only can’t solve victims’ psychological problems, but also it can lead to more severe results such as poverty, serious health condition and diminishing social support. One of the most common reasons victims develop alcohol and drug abuse is due to the stresses as a result of rape and PTSD. According to the article of “An acute post-rape intervention to prevent substance use and abuse”, there is a connection between anxiety and drug abuse, and victims that have PTSD reports that they use CNS depressant to decrease their level of anxiety (as cited in Bremner, Southwick, Darnell, & Charney, 1996). However, drugs do not always lead to desirable results if take without consulting a doctor, and misuse of OTC or prescriptions medications can only worsen the issues. Ron Acierno, Heidi S. Resnick, Amanda Flood and Melisa Holmes (2003) write that intrusive trauma memories can be motivated by drug misuse. As a result, victims could experience the rape over and over, and their symptoms become worse even though they think these drugs are helping them reduce