The study investigated five domains: psychosocial competency, mental health, alcohol and drug use, cognitive resources, and physical ability. Seventy-two rape victims and 72 control women were administered psychometric instruments and a biographical inventory. Information was also obtained from significant others. The strongest domain of prediction was psychosocial competency, with the rape victim scoring lower on measures of social presence, dominance, and assertiveness, and higher on external/social locus of control. A past history of alcohol or drug abuse added to the rape-vulnerability profile. Rape victims were more likely to have a past history of psychiatric hospitalization and suicidal thoughts. They did not differ from control women on the Vocabulary subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, but they scored lower on the Achievement via Independence scale of the California Psychological Inventory. Physical ability attributes were not associated with rape vulnerability. (Publisher abstract)