Contribution of shame and attribution style in developing PTSD among Japanese University women with negative sexual experiences

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2007;10(3):111-20. doi: 10.1007/s00737-007-0177-9. Epub 2007 Apr 26.

Abstract

The roles of shame and attribution style in developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were examined among 172 Japanese university women with negative sexual experiences (NSEs) using a structural equation model. "Shame" directly predicted PTSD, whereas "Internal Attribution" and "External Attribution" did not. The effect of Internal Attribution on PTSD was mediated by Shame. In a simultaneous analysis of multi-groups, only the relationship with the perpetrator showed a different contribution for shame in developing PTSD symptoms. In addition, the role of the shame and attribution style in developing PTSD symptoms in the Japanese culture was discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Japan
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Self Concept*
  • Shame*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women's Health*