Summary
"The process of victimization does not end with the crime. Trauma associated with criminal
behaviour can affect how the person views themselves, their world and their relationships.
According to theory, trauma and loss have the potential to threaten both one's sense of meaning
in life (i.e., they may threaten significant aspects of one's self-concept), as well as the assumptions one
holds about the comprehensibility and meaningfulness of events. Furthermore, trauma does not end in
the physical realm; the psychological effects of trauma can be longstanding and potentially
debilitating. This review focuses on one possible outcome of crime victimization: cognitive changes.
However, in examining victimization one is struck by the fact that one cannot easily focus on one
psychological element, but that any cognitive change will affect the entire person. Problem-solving
ability, coping skills, personal, social and work relationships can all become compromised by cognitive
changes. The focus of this review and synthesis is to identify cognitive changes that are related to
crime victimization and relate this to clinical issues around interventions. However, this requires a
broad approach as one uncovers the complexities of the victim’s psychological world."--Page 1.
Contents
1. Introduction -- 2. Literature review -- 2.1. Trauma process -- 2.2. Trauma sub-groups: the role of severity -- 2.3. Cognitive processing effects of trauma -- 2.4. Coping strategies -- 2.4.1. Use of natural supports -- 2.4.2. Use of professional supports -- 2.5. Medicalization of trauma -- 2.5.1. Relationship to DSM-IV disorders -- 2.5.2. Application of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) -- 2.6. Effect of pre-trauma characteristics on coping and recovery -- 2.7. Matching clients to interventions: treatment readiness -- 2.8. Conclusion of the literature review --
3. Implications for victims --
3.1. Heterogeneity of victims: need for a services continuum --
4. Implications for professionals -- 4.1. Assessment and screening --
4.2. Client matching and continuum of services --
4.3. Vicarious traumatization and burnout --
5. Gaps in the literature --
6. Conclusions and recommendations --
7. References.