Rape and Post-Traumatic Stress in Multiple Personality

Abstract

An increased incidence of childhood physical and sexual abuse has previously been demonstrated in patients with multiple personalities. This disorder in women is also associated with an increased incidence of forcible rape during adolescence and adulthood by strangers or acquaintances. In a series of 17 women with multiple personality, 6 had been raped. A control group of non-dissociative disorder patients matched for age and sex yielded no instances of forcible rape. This high incidence of rape is thought to be related to the masochistic character traits which are common in multiple personality. The relationship of multiple personality and rape to post-traumatic stress disorder is explored. Treatment in group and individual therapy in which education and prevention were emphasized is described.