Date of Award

1994

Degree Name

M.A. in Psychology

Department

Department of Psychology

Abstract

A dual case study was conducted to explore the similarities and differences between the assault and post-assault experiences of fraternal twin sisters, Kathy and Barb, who were abducted and sexually assaulted. A series of in-depth interviews was conducted to obtain the main data set. A number o f tests and questionnaires were used to provide additional information on the personalities, coping styles, and reactions to the assault of these two women. A critical difference between the two women's healing processes emerged in the way in which each cycled through confrontation and inhibition of their thoughts and feelings about the assault. Kathy's confrontation/inhibition cycle was characterized by more pronounced confrontation phases and Barb's by more pronounced inhibition phases. Kathy has chosen interpersonal ways to confront her trauma such as engaging in therapy and a support group. Barb, on the other hand, relies more on intrapersonal means of confronting her trauma such as journal writing. Three interrelated reasons for the difference in cycles of confrontation and inhibition between Kathy and Barb are proposed: 1) Barb went through a divorce during the criminal justice proceedings, which she experienced as a source of great distress; 2) Kathy had a stronger support system throughout the assault and the criminal justice proceedings; 3) Barb has a strong coping mechanism of avoidance and repression. From the data an argument is presented that asserts that Koss and Harvey's (1991) ecological model of sexual assault is limited and may not be helpful to survivors or mental health professionals. A new model o f the healing process after sexual assault is then presented which is dynamic and fluid. Rather than the static and dichotomous representation o f healing that is shown in the ecological model, the proposed model shows the process that survivors work through as they strive to integrate the impact o f the event into their lives.

Keywords

Sexual abuse victims Ohio Case studies

Rights Statement

Copyright © 1994, author

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