Rape Survivors: The Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress and Locus of Control on the Hoping Process

Author

David Lester Rhoads, University of Texas Permian Basin

Date of Award

Spring 5-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Spencer K. Thompson, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Linda M. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

David W. Barnett, Ph.D.

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between hope. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and locus of control in a sample, of 18 rape survivors and 18 non-raped females over 18 years of age. Instruments utilized were Herth Hope Scale, Structured Interview for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Impact of Events, and Locus of Control Scales. It was hypothesized that rape survivors would exhibit a lower level of hope, higher levels of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and an external locus of control. Independent t-tests revealed that rape trauma impacts Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Independent t-tests were inconclusive among the hope, impact of events, and locus of control variables among the group means. Pearson Correlations indicated that as hope levels increased, post traumatic levels decreased and that as hope levels increased, locus of control became more external. Correlations also found that as post traumatic stress disorder levels increased, locus of control became more external.

Recommended Citation

Rhoads, David Lester, "Rape Survivors: The Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress and Locus of Control on the Hoping Process" (1996). Student Dissertations & Theses. 19.
https://falconcommons.utpb.edu/utpb-cas/19