Researchers have agreed that most rape victims vii experience stress-related symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. There have also been numerous studies that have tried to predict the severity of those stress-related symptoms, but the literature is inconclusive. Lack of perceived control is consistently mentioned in the rape research literature as being present in rape victims, but no study has empirically examined the relationship between perceived control and a rape victim's stress-related symptoms. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine the relationship between perceived control and stress-related symptoms in rape victims. This was accomplished by comparing a group of 33 subjects who reported being victims of rape with a group of 50 subjects who did not report being victims of rape. Mean stress-related symptom scores were correlated with perceived control scores; also, factors, including group membership and the time elapsed since a rape, were regressed onto the subjects' stress-related symptom scores. The correlations between stress-related symptoms and perceived control in the rape victim group were statistically significant, but the relationship was not present for the nonvictim group. Also, nonsignificant results were obtained for joint effects between perceived control and group membership, along with perceived control and time since a victim had been raped. The results suggest that low perceived control is a good predictor for elevated stress-related symptoms. Further research may clarify the relationship between perceived control and stress-related symptoms in rape victims.

Although some research has focused on feminist practice in general, the external and internal dynamics of feminist practice still remains theoretically and empirically under-researched. This study addresses this void in feminist research and places a special focus on the relationship of feminist organisations with the state and within the broader context of the women's movement. This thesis explores the constitution and maintenance of feminist practices in one specific context in South Korea and Australia. Drawing on empirical and historical data derived from the case studies, two questions are explored in this study: What constitutes feminist practices in a feminist organisation? How can feminist practices be sustained?. Two feminist-run Sexual Assault Centres (SACs), one in Korea, one in Australia are studied and analysed, involving 32, in-depth interviews with activists of the two centres, non-participant and participant observation, and document analysis. First, this thesis provides a detailed account of feminist practice and organisational dynamics among feminist organisations, the feminist movement and the state. This thesis confirms that the practices of feminist organisations are seen as dynamic processes constituted by the context in which they are situated, the role of feminist activists and the nature and strength of the broader women's movement. This study, in particular, demonstrates that the relationship of the organisation with the state is a strong determinant in constructing feminist practices. Second, this thesis examines organisational practices at different phases such as the establishment, development and crisis phases. As both centres were experiencing crises, the study illuminates that the crisis in each centre has provided an opportunity for re-examination and reflection on their practices in shifting internal and external contexts. This study also suggests that continuous reflexive attention is necessary to maintain feminist practices. Moreover, the study demonstrates that the role of the activists in constructing and maintaining feminist practices is critical, in particular, in small organisations such as the ASAC and KSAC. This research, the first major study on feminist practices in Korea and Australia, makes a significant contribution to the study of feminist organisations, the state and, in general, feminist theory.

Thesis (MCur (Nursing Science))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Summary in English. Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / Criminology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

We have conducted a phenomenological research with four women victims of rape in order to discover the impact of the elements which give meaning to their lives, on their recovery. The results of our research demonstrate that overall the elements of the meaning of life have been beneficial for women's recovery. The elements that were identified are the importance of children, the philosophy of life, the goals to achieve, the significant relationships, the financial autonomy and helping others. Those elements have been identified in two previous researches. However two new elements appeared which are the attachment to their job and the development of their skills analysis. Our theoretical framework appeals to social work, sociology, psychology, psychiatry and philosophy. Our vision is feminist.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Delaware, 2008. / Principal faculty advisor: Susan L. Miller, Dept. of Sociology & Criminal Justice. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A. (Health Social Science))--Mahidol University, 2005.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2008. / Includes appendices: 57-83. Title from PDF title page (viewed September 28, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-56)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Ohio University, August, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 138-160)

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1990.