Attenuating Effect of Empowerment on IPV-Related PTSD Symptoms in Battered Women Living in Domestic Violence Shelters

• NCJ Number: 239192
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2012 Pages: 102-117
• Author(s): Sara Perez; Dawn M. Johnson; Caroline Vaile Wright
• Date Published: January 2012
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the impact of resource acquisition and empowermenton the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with significant psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, factors that attenuate the impact of IPV on PTSD remain largely unknown. Using hierarchical regression, this investigation explored the impact of resource acquisition and empowerment on the relationship between IPV and PTSD. Empowerment demonstrated greater relative importance over resource acquisition. Specifically, empowerment was found to attenuate the impact of IPV severity on PTSD at low and moderate levels of violence. The importance of fostering empowerment and addressing PTSD in addition to provision of resources in battered women is discussed. (Published Abstract)