Maladaptive beliefs, coping strategies, and social support as predictive factors of psychopathological vulnerability in female victims of sexual assault

The main vulnerability factors subsequent to rape described in the literature have been included in this research to check their effects on the symptomatology developed in sexual assault victims. The participants were 77 women victims of sexual assaults when they were adults, attending the Victms of Sexual Assaults Centre (C.A.V.A.S.) in Madrid between 2010 and 2013. The factors with a higher predictive value were high maladaptive beliefs about one's self, the belief about future control, or developing preventative behaviors; coping strategies include planning, instrumental social support, and substance use. Factors standing out as predictors of a better adjustment include present control or control over the recovery, self-distraction (as coping strategy), and satisfaction with the social support. Finally, implications of results are described and future directions of research are suggested. (C) 2014 Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid. Production by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.