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Natalie Kathrin Horn Dissertation.pdf (1.93 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

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Finding meaning after rape: An examination of meaning-making strategies and consequences in rape survivors

Horn, Natalie Kathrin
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9455-5335
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1562859581788623

Abstract Details

2019, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Psychology.
Prominent theories indicate the search for meaning is central to recovery from rape. However, definitions of meaning-making vary in the literature and research examining meaning-making in a comprehensive manner is limited. Current models suggest that rape survivors can use a variety of strategies to create meaning and experience symptom reduction. However, the notion that multiple strategies create meaning and lead to symptom reduction has not been empirically validated. The current study examines the following questions: (1) What are the strategies of meaning-making for rape survivors? (2) What consequences or byproducts are associated with these strategies? (3) Can these byproducts be classified into three distinct sub-categories based on when they are expected to arise? (4) Do the consequences or byproducts of meaning-making mediate the relationship between meaning-making strategies and PTSD? Specifically, a SEM was examined to identify strategies and byproducts of meaning-making and to examine the relationships between constructs in rape survivors. Four forms of approach-focused coping strategies were found to be strategies of meaning-making. Three types of meaning-making byproducts emerged: “general” byproducts, or those independent of coping strategy, byproducts associated with the strategy of accommodation, and byproducts associated with the strategy of assimilation. Self-reported Posttraumatic Growth and Sense of Future Control were found to indicate general byproducts while Changed Identity, Changed Global Goals, and Rape Acknowledgement were found to indicate byproducts associated with accommodation. Byproducts associated with assimilation as a coping strategy were not significant in the model. Engagement in coping strategies predicted general or strategy independent byproducts, however it did not predict byproducts likely to be associated with the use of specific strategies. Contrary to expectations, the latent constructs of General Byproducts and Accommodation-Related Byproducts predicted higher levels of PTSD and depression in rape survivors. Unpredicted findings are discussed in light of methodological limitations and recommendations for future research are provided.
Terri Messman-Moore (Advisor)
Elise Clerkin (Committee Member)
Aaron Luebbe (Committee Member)
Elise Radina (Committee Member)
81 p.
Psychology
sexual victimization, rape, recovery, meaning-making, resilience, trauma processing, post traumatic growth, PTSD

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Horn, N. K. (2019). Finding meaning after rape: An examination of meaning-making strategies and consequences in rape survivors [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1562859581788623

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Horn, Natalie. Finding meaning after rape: An examination of meaning-making strategies and consequences in rape survivors. 2019. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1562859581788623.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Horn, Natalie. "Finding meaning after rape: An examination of meaning-making strategies and consequences in rape survivors." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1562859581788623

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1562859581788623
572
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.