Incidence and Correlates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Australian Victims of Domestic Violence

• NCJ Number: 186400
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2000 Pages: 411-422
• Author(s): Peter Mertin; Philip B. Mohr
• Editor(s): Vincent B. Van Hasselt, Michel Hersen
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the incidence and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 100 female victims of domestic violence resident in women's shelters in Adelaide, South Australia.

Abstract

Study participants had a mean age of 33 years and had been in a relationship with their spouse or partner for an average of 8.5 years. At the time of interview, the mean time of separation was 9 weeks. For 25 women, this was their first separation. The women were assessed using the Adapted Conflict Tactics Scale, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Interview Schedule, the Multi-Score Depression Inventory, and an anxiety scale. Findings revealed 45 women met all diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Women meeting PTSD diagnostic criteria reported having experienced higher levels of violence and were more likely to report having a spouse with an alcohol problem and believing they would be killed by their spouse than women who did not meet these criteria. The diagnosis of PTSD was also associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. 27 references and 1 table