Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and pain can trigger one another in a complex, two-directional pattern in the critical days and weeks after sexual assault, new UNLV research published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science shows.

UNLV psychologist and lead author Nicole A. Short, along with colleagues from across the country, found a self-reinforcing cycle in sexual assault survivors where PTSD symptoms often preceded sharp, sudden spikes in pain, while intense or disruptive pain powered worsening PTSD symptoms.

The researchers studied sexual assault-related pain severity and how pain disrupted daily life among 64 women who sought emergency care within 72 hours after sexual assault. 

They tracked the women in real time using smart phone-based surveys administered four times a day over a six-week period.

PTSD is commonly associated with the aftermath of sexual assault. However, it’s less widely known that sexual assault survivors may experience lingering physical pain that increases the risk for developing chronic pain, even with no ongoing physical injury, according to the research.

“Pain after trauma isn’t just constant — it can come in unpredictable waves. Our study shows that PTSD symptoms may actually drive these pain flares, while pain severity and pain that interferes with daily life can make trauma symptoms worse,” she said.

The study, believed to be the first of its kind, also showed that people with heightened PTSD symptoms experienced more unpredictable pain — a pattern linked to negative health outcomes such as poorer mental health, greater distress, and higher risk for long-term disability.

Findings underscore the need for early intervention to reduce PTSD symptoms after sexual assault.

“If we could prevent pain from becoming chronic and life altering, that could change recovery trajectories for countless survivors,” Short said.

The research emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care that addresses both psychological and physical symptoms, particularly in emergency and early recovery settings.

Publication information:

The paper, The Role of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Pain Severity, Interference, and Variability After Sexual Assault: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study, by Short, et al., was published in December 2025 in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science. The researchers represent several universities and agencies.