Applying Experience Sampling Methods to Partner Violence Research: Safety and Feasibility in a 90-Day Study of Community Women

• NCJ Number: 233720
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2011 Pages: 251-266
• Author(s): Tami P. Sullivan; Enna Khondkaryan; Nancy P. Dos Santos; Erica N. Peters
• Date Published: February 2011
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): K23 DA019561; R25 DA020515
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines two experience sampling method (ESM) approaches that yielded high response rates and reliable data among other populations.

Abstract

An experience sampling method (ESM) rarely has been applied in studies of intimate partner violence (IPV) despite the benefits to be gained. Because ESM approaches and women who experience IPV present unique challenges for data collection, an empirical question exists: Is it safe and feasible to apply ESM to community women who currently are experiencing IPV? A 90-day, design-driven feasibility study examined daily telephone data collection, daily paper diaries, and monthly retrospective semistructured interview methods among a community sample of 123 women currently experiencing IPV to study within-person relationships between IPV and substance use. Findings suggest that ESM is a promising method for collecting data among this population and can elucidate daily dynamics of victimization as well as associated behaviors and experiences. Lessons learned from the application of ESM to this population are also discussed. (Published Abstract)