The Effects of Marital Status and Partner Support on Rape Trauma

Psychological functioning (including measures of pre- and post-rape suicidal ideation or suicide attempts) within the first four weeks after rape was compared for married & single victims. Marital status did not significantly affect psychological symptoms following the assault. For married women, lack of support by the partner–particularly when it was unexpected–was significantly related to poor psychological functioning after the rape. (43 refs.)