Trauma appraisals in the first month after sexual trauma differentially predict subsequent mental and physical health sequelae.

Abstract

Objective: Sexual trauma is highly prevalent, particularly in women. Cognitions play a critical role in trauma recovery and may predict chronic mental and physical health difficulties. However, existing studies of cognitions following trauma have focused largely on global meanings (i.e., general beliefs, values, and goals) rather than on situational appraisals (i.e., understanding of the trauma or its impact). We aimed to determine the extent to which situational appraisals within the first month of experiencing sexual trauma differentially predict subsequent mental and physical health.

Method: Women (N = 203) who experienced sexual trauma within the past month were recruited from an online platform and completed questionnaires within 30 days of trauma and 4 weeks later assessing trauma appraisals (self-blame, threat, self and life impact), mental health (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms, depression symptoms), and physical health (sleep disturbance, pain interference). As these mental and physical health difficulties are often comorbid, structural equation modeling was used to examine these relationships simultaneously.

Results: Trauma appraisals were differentially related to mental and physical health 1 month later in the acute aftermath of sexual trauma. Specifically, self-blame significantly predicted PTSD symptoms, sleep disturbance, and pain interference. Threat appraisals significantly predicted PTSD symptoms and sleep disturbance. Self and life impact appraisals significantly predicted PTSD symptoms (as well as worsening symptoms over time) and depression symptoms.

Conclusions: Findings can elucidate targets for early assessment tools and interventions in the recent aftermath of sexual trauma to help alleviate the downstream mental and physical health impacts of experiencing sexual trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).