Interpersonal Problems and Their Relationship to Sexual Revictimization Among Women Sexually Abused in Childhood

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between sexual revictimization and interpersonal problems in a sample of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Fifty-two treatment-seeking women participated in this study. Research participants completed the Sexual Experiences Survey to assess sexual revictimization within the past 6 months and completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP). Revictimized participants reported overall greater interpersonal problems compared with nonrevictimized participants. Post hoc analyses showed significantly higher interpersonal problem scores for revictimized participants on the Hard to Be Assertive and Too Responsible subscales. On the circumplex IIP, revictimized participants were more socially avoidant, nonassertive, and overly nurturant.