Risk for Revictimization Following Interpersonal and Noninterpersonal Trauma: Clarifying the Role of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Trauma‐Related Cognitions

Abstract

One victimization experience can increase the risk for subsequent victimization, which is known as revictimization. The aims of this study were to build on sexual revictimization research by (a) broadening the understanding of revictimization to interpersonal (and potentially noninterpersonal) trauma generally and (b) gaining specificity in the mechanisms that underlie revictimization. Using a prospective multisite design, an ethnically and racially diverse sample of 453 young women from the community (age range: 18–25 years, 60.7% European American) completed an initial survey and at least one follow‐up survey within the subsequent year. Participants completed self‐report measures of trauma history, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions. Structural equation models revealed that interpersonal revictimization was observed when controlling for past noninterpersonal trauma, odds ratio (OR) = 2.27, 95% CI [1.23, 4.18], and supported the role of posttraumatic stress symptoms as a mechanism underlying such revictimization, 95% CI of indirect effect (IE) [0.08, 0.51]. Additionally, a history of noninterpersonal trauma (controlling for past interpersonal trauma) increased risk of subsequent interpersonal victimization via posttraumatic stress symptoms, 95% CI of IE [0.01, 0.38]. Notably, however, when maladaptive cognitions were included as mediators in addition to posttraumatic stress symptoms, the only unique indirect effect was for the association between interpersonal trauma and risk of revictimization specifically through perceived threat of harm, 95% CI of IE [0.05, 0.20]. These findings suggest that efforts to reduce interpersonal revictimization should target maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions, particularly perceptions of threat in the environment.

Exposure to Workplace Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Intern Physicians

“…A possible explanation for the associations of early family environment and previous stressful events with trauma exposure is that a priming effect of prior stressful or traumatic life events (eg, abusive growing-up experience, death of a loved one) could predispose individuals to subsequently experience or perceive additional traumatic exposures—a phenomenon known as revictimization. 23 Higher number of hours worked was the only work-related factor significantly associated with trauma exposure. It may be that working longer hours generates a higher burden of stress and presents a longer time window for exposure to work-related traumatic events.…”

“…A possible explanation for the associations of early family environment and previous stressful events with trauma exposure is that a priming effect of prior stressful or traumatic life events (eg, abusive growing-up experience, death of a loved one) could predispose individuals to subsequently experience or perceive additional traumatic exposures-a phenomenon known as revictimization. 23 Higher number of hours worked…”

The role of negative cognitions in co‐occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and depression: Examination of interpersonal and noninterpersonal trauma survivors

“…In contrast, Haldane and Nickerson (2016) noted significant differences between male and female refugees in associations between the two trauma types and symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Considering the impact of the two trauma types of negative post‐trauma cognitions, Jaffe, DiLioo, Gratz, and Messman‐Moore (2019) reported significant associations between the experience of interpersonal trauma and negative post‐trauma beliefs focused on negative self‐worth, lack of trustworthiness of others, and the threat of harm in a multisite sample of women aged 18–25. In contrast, the experience of noninterpersonal trauma was not significantly associated with any of these negative post‐trauma beliefs in this sample.…”

Interpersonal Trauma Exposure and Interpersonal Problems in Adolescent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

“…Traumatic experiences during childhood have been associated with negative mental health outcomes throughout the lifespan (Dube et al., 2006). Such experiences have been differentiated as interpersonal (i.e., the direct result of actions by other people) and noninterpersonal (i.e., other life‐threatening events, such as severe accidents, disasters, or illness; Charak et al., 2018; Dunn et al., 2017; Haldane & Nickerson, 2016; Jaffe et al., 2019; Woodward et al., 2015). The results of previous research suggest that experiencing interpersonal traumatic events may lead to an increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD; i.e., symptoms of PTSD plus symptoms of emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal difficulties; World Health Organization, 2020) compared to experiencing noninterpersonal traumatic events (Alisic et al., 2014; Brewin et al., 2017; Charuvastra & Cloitre, 2008; Frost et al., 2020; Kerig et al., 2009).…”

“…such as severe accidents, disasters, or illness; Charak et al, 2018;Dunn et al, 2017;Haldane & Nickerson, 2016;Jaffe et al, 2019;Woodward et al, 2015). The results of previous research suggest that experiencing interpersonal traumatic events may lead to an increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD; i.e., symptoms of PTSD plus symptoms of emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal difficulties; World Health Organization, 2020) compared to experiencing noninterpersonal traumatic events (Alisic et al, 2014;Brewin et al, 2017;Charuvastra & Cloitre, 2008;Frost et al, 2020;Kerig et al, 2009).…”