Dissociation-focused Victim Support and Coping with Traumatic Memory: an Empirical Search for Evidence Sustaining the Effectiveness of Downward Comparison Based Interventions 1

Abstract

Some victims are highly susceptible to develop traumatic memories. A basic model of traumatic memory and its theoretical implications for coping assistance offered by victim support is outlined. The main focus of victim support from this perspective is to initiate and facilitate a process of dissociation, of disengaging episodic and negative affective memory. Downward comparison based intervention — a subtype of techniques of cognitive restructuring and psychological distancing — is suggested here as a potential facilitative vehicle. Various basic hypotheses underlying this potential were tested empirically, utilising data from the VUA-longitudinal study on criminal victimization. Analyses suggested that downward comparisons were associated with more successful adjustment, that they are vital in controlling fear responses, and that these processes are linked with relatively lower levels of reported trauma symptoms, such as anxiety, agoraphobia, depression, and somatic complaints. Downward comparison based interventions thus in principle appear to constitute effective, quality enhancing components of victim support. The actual impact of such interventions should be examined in more detail in future studies.