POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH MODERATES THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VIOLENT REVICTIMIZATION AND PERSISTING PTSD SYMPTOMS IN VICTIMS OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE: A SIX-MONTH FOLLOW-UP STUDY

• Published in: Journal of social and clinical psychology 2010-05, Vol.29 (5), p.527-545
• Main Authors: KUNST, M. J. J, WINKEL, F. W, BOGAERTS, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Anxiety disorders. Neuroses; Biological and medical sciences; Domestic violence; Medical sciences; Mental health; Personal growth; Post traumatic stress disorder; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Revictimization; Severity; Symptoms; Victims; Victims of crime
• ISSN: 0736-7236; 1943-2771
• DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2010.29.5.527

The current study was developed to investigate whether posttraumatic growth (PTG) moderates the association between violent revictimization and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a sample of 202 Dutch victims of interpersonal violence who had filed a claim for state compensation between January 1st and December 31st, 2006. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that PTG buffers against symptom increase due to revictimization. A six-month prospective study design was employed to enable adjustment for PTSD symptom severity before revictimization. Regression results indicated that symptom severity at initial assessment predicted symptom severity six months later. No main effects were found for revictimization and PTG. An interaction effect was found between revictimization and PTG. Post hoc probing of the interaction suggested that those with low PTG experienced more severe PTSD symptom levels after revictimization compared to those without subsequent victimization experiences. Implications for victim services practices as well as limitations and strengths of the study were discussed. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]