TRAUMATIC MEMORY CHARACTERISTICS - A CROSS-VALIDATED MEDIATIONAL MODEL OF RESPONSE TO RAPE AMONG EMPLOYED WOMEN

In a cross-validated mediational model, the authors examined character istics of memories formed in response to rape and other intense unplea sant and pleasant experiences. Data were responses to a mailed survey of women medical center and university employees. Measurement models o f memory and symptom factors and a structural model with pathways amon g cognitive appraisal, emotional valence, memory characteristics, and health outcomes were developed in Sample 1 (N = 1,307)and confirmed in Sample 2 (N = 2,142). Rape had substantial direct effects on 2 memory factors (Clarity and Affect) and indirect effects through the constru al of victimization. Rape was associated with memories described as mo ve emotionally intense but less clear and coherent and less often thou ght of or talked about. Most effects on physical symptoms were nonsign ificant. Implications of findings for neurohormonal and multiple repre sentation models of emotional memory and to cognitive avoidance are di scussed.