Re-Examining the Relationship Between Avoidance and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Rape Survivors Enrolled in Self-Defense Training: The Protective Effect of Activities Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Although many women do not report sexual victimization as motivation for seeking self-defense training, differences in self-efficacy suggest that self-efficacy deficits may influence survivors' desire to seek training. Lower self-efficacy, thought to negatively influence perceived confidence in one's ability to engage in everyday activities, may relate to avoidance of mundane activities and cause exacerbation of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The current study examined a three-way interaction modeling the relationships between history of rape, activities self-efficacy, activities avoidance, and PTSS in a diverse sample of 233 women enrolled in self-defense training. Results suggest that survivors who avoid everyday activities experience increased PTSS, but this effect is mitigated by perceived self-efficacy to engage in these activities. Activities self-efficacy may promote resilience in rape survivors regardless of whether they actually engage in such activities. Training that targets self-efficacy, rather than actual engagement in activities, may be sufficient to reduce PTSS in rape survivors.

Keywords: avoidance; post-traumatic stress; rape; self-defense; self-efficacy.