PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Lisa Duke

MA-Research
August 2004

Predicting Memory Impairment in Rape Survivors: Examining Memory Intrusions and Locus of Control Orientation

    Rape is both a violation of the mind and the body, and as such, both cognitive and physiological considerations are important in treatment.  The frequency and occurrence of nightmares and flashbacks were retrospectively assessed.  Cognitive factors were assessed using the Multidimensional Rape Locus of Control Scale.  The data indicated that those who had been raped had higher levels of flashbacks, nightmares and overall post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.  Rape survivors had marginally significant lower working memory scores as measured by the Wechsler Memory Scale III.  Overall PTSD symptoms may predict working memory impairment in the group of rape survivors.  When the rape survivors were grouped into those that had been raped less than 6 months ago and those raped more than 6 months ago, explicit memory scores were impaired in the group of rape survivors who had been raped less than 6 months ago.

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