What is told when the story is retold? Consistency of victimization reports in psychiatric patients. Issue 3 (13th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mesquita, Cristina S.; Maia, Ângela C.
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of psychology. Volume 59:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 311
• Page End: 318
• Publication Date: 2018-03-13
• Subjects: Consistency -- retrospective self‐report -- interpersonal victimization -- psychiatric patients -- emotional distress; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12437
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-5564

Abstract

Abstract : The use of retrospective self‐reports is a major methodological concern when ascertaining the occurrence of victimization experiences, with additional concerns when assessing psychiatric patients. The test for consistency can overcome some of these concerns, increasing the confidence in the information reported. Our aim was twofold: (1) to know the consistency of victimization reports; and (2) to test the role of changes on emotional distress in predicting report discrepancies, in a sample of 34 adult psychiatric patients. Participants were assessed twice, with a year interval. Sexual abuse was the experience that presented the higher level of consistency for childhood victimization, while assault with a weapon had the higher consistency level for adolescent and adult victimization. We found that increases on emotional distress predicted report discrepancies, and more specifically, increases in the report of victimization. Our results displayed acceptable consistency levels, suggesting some stability in the reporting of victimization over time. Considering that inconsistencies tended either to increases and decreases in the reporting of victimization, it would be important to consider the impact of such experiences when intervening with psychiatric patients.