Which of the following is a factor that delays recovery for college victims?

• A. Prior victimization
• B. Neuroticism
• C. Strong social support
• D. Access to counseling

Answer: (A)

Prior victimization creates a cumulative trauma burden that makes recovery from a new campus victimization slower. When someone has already endured violence, they’re more likely to experience intensified symptoms—such as intrusive memories, hypervigilance, anxiety, or depression—and may have greater difficulty trusting others, seeking help, or engaging in safety planning. This history can also increase the risk of re-traumatization and complicate coping, which on a college campus can translate into missed classes, disrupted sleep, and strained social or dating dynamics, all slowing the healing process.

In contrast, strong social support and access to counseling actively aid recovery by providing validation, practical assistance, and effective coping strategies, so they are protective rather than delaying. Neuroticism might influence how someone experiences distress, but it is the prior victimization history that most consistently predicts slower recovery in college students.