Rape Victims' Self-Esteem

Abstract
A study of 204 recent rape victims and a matched comparison group of 173 women was conducted in order to determine the short- and long-term effects of rape on victims' self-esteem. Research participants were assessed at 6-21 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 years postassault. Findings suggest that victims experience short- and long-term problems in self-esteem, relationships with significant others, work satisfaction, relationships with authority, hope for the future and happiness with life, and relating to parents. Compared with nonvictims, victims reported impaired relationships with significant others at 1-year postassault, significantly lower self-esteem at 18-months postassault, and lower satisfaction in relations with their parents at the 2-year postassault assessment.

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