Rape: A Trauma of Paralyzing Dehumanization

Abstract

This study examines the pathogenic role of rape-induced peritraumatic dehumanization, and subsequent humiliation and “freezing.” A theoretical causal model linking these rape-related peritraumatic responses to symptoms is tested while considering the ways in which rape differs from other types of nonsexual trauma in relation to this particular model. Two hundred and fifty-five participants completed self-report questionnaires. Structural path analyses identified dehumanization and humiliation as highly prevalent and almost invariably predictive of a freeze response in rape; and, in turn, of elevated self-blame and post-traumatic stress disorder in its wake while concurrently showing a poor fit for this model in respect to other traumas. In addition, multivariate analysis of variance results indicated that peritraumatic, as well as post-traumatic distress, was considerably more severe among rape survivors as compared to controls.

Keywords:

• dehumanization
• freeze response
• humiliation
• objectification
• PTSD
• rape
• rape-induced peritraumatic responses
• self-blame
• tonic immobility

Acknowledgments

This study was supported in part by the Legacy Heritage Fund.