APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
The Social Context of Counterfactual Thinking: Implications for Long-Term Posttraumatic Stress Following Sexual Assault
- Andrea Rustand
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies - Siri Thoresen
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies - Siri Thoresen
University of Oslo - Tim Brennen
University of Oslo - Tore Wentzel-Larsen
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies - Tore Wentzel-Larsen
Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP East and South) - Ines Blix
Oslo New University College - Ines Blix
Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies
Abstract
Using longitudinal data from recent sexual assault victims (N=200, Mage=26.32), we examined whether early social interactions moderate the impact of counterfactual thinking on later posttraumatic stress symptoms. Baseline predictors showed robust associations with symptoms at six-months, but no moderation emerged, thus refining our understanding of social-cognitive processes in trauma recovery.
