Battered Woman Syndrome (From Family Abuse and Its Consequences: New Directions in Research, P 139-148, 1988, Gerald T Hotaling, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-114483)

• NCJ Number: 114491
• Author(s): L E Walker
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Research on spouse abuse and other forms of family violence show that the psychological impact of living in violence is enormous, often consisting of a form of learned helplessness called the battered woman syndrome.

Abstract

Five factors from childhood and seven factors related in adult battering relationships have been identified and are now used to measure the learned helplessness response in battered women. The childhood factors include battering in the home, sexual assault or molestation, rigid traditionality, and health problems. Adult relationship factors include threats to kill, pathological jealousy and possessiveness, and psychological torture. The research data also suggest that the rigidity with which sex-stereotyped attitudes are held is what produces the negative effect that leads to violence and indicate that nonpunitive, nurturing child-rearing techniques will be critical in the effort to eliminate family violence. Thus, rules against any hitting are essential to raising children who will not become abusers. Table, note, and 35 references.