Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Psychologically abused women – Mental health'

The purpose of this study was to identify from the woman's point of view what factors facilitate or inhibit disclosure of psychological abuse. Physical and psychological symptoms arise from this abuse and women are reluctant to disclose the underlying cause. This is a significant problem for every specialty in the nursing profession. A qualitative study using grounded theory was conducted with four research participants from domestic violence shelters. The results suggest contextual and behavioral factors in the disclosure process and give descriptive supporting data of related concepts. A conceptual model for the disclosure process is proposed.

Researchers have provided evidence that living in intimate partner violence while pregnant negatively impacts the health of both the women and their unborn children. The purpose of this narrative study was twofold, first to gain understanding of the meaning of health as described by pregnant women who lived in intimate partner violence, and second to gain strategies for health care professionals. Six purposefully selected women participated in two interviews. The data were arranged under five themes: loss of body health, loss of mind health, loss of spirit health, coping with loss of body, mind and spirit health, and advice for health care professionals. The results revealed that these women’s health was negatively affected by living in intimate partner violence while pregnant. Universal screening, coalition building, further research, changes in health care policies, and changes in nursing education and practice are needed to properly address this serious health issue.<br>xi, 153 leaves ; 29 cm

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of multiple forms of abuse (physical, psychological, and sexual) on later psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints as assessed by the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist -HSCL) among two ethnic groups (non-Hispanic Caucasian and Hispanic).

This study examined the distinct effects of partner violence and psychological abuse on women's mental health over time. Latent growth modeling was used to examine stability and change over time, evaluating the course and consequences of each form of abuse. The size of women's social support network was examined as a mediator. The sample consisted of 835 African American, Euro-American, and Mexican American low-income women. Participants who completed Waves 1, 2, 3, and 5 were included in the study (n = 585). In general, partner violence decreased over time for all groups, while psychological abuse decreased over time for only Euro-American women. Whereas initial and prolonged exposure to psychological abuse was related to and directly impacted women's mental health, partner violence was only related to initial levels of mental health. Surprisingly, social support was only related to initial violence and distress and had no impact on the rate of change over time. These results have important implications for researchers and health care professionals. First, differences in the pattern of results were found for each ethnic group, reaffirming the notion that counselors and researchers must be sensitive to multicultural concerns in both assessment and intervention. For example, psychological abuse had a greater impact on the mental health of African American and Mexican American women than it did for Euro-American women, suggesting a shift in focus depending on the ethnicity of the client may be warranted. Second, this longitudinal study highlights the importance of future research to considerer individual differences in treating and studying victimized women. Understanding factors that contribute to individual trajectories will help counselors gain insight into the problem and in devising plans to prevent or reduce the occurrence and negative health impact of partner abuse.

This study examined the relationship between perceived social support and negative mental health outcomes in battered women. Correlations between perceived social support and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder were analyzed. Perceived social support, particularly from family members, was found to be significantly related to mental health outcomes. Results indicate that agencies that work with battered women should include social support in the assessment and intervention processes. The study utilized a quantitative survey design with a sample of 120 battered women from four domestic violence agencies throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Quantitative data analysis procedures, such as multivariate analysis and logistic regression, were used to further examine variables. Samples of the instruments used in the study are included.

The current study assessed the effects of incest utilizing the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), an objective measure that can address such long term effects as low self esteem, isolation, depression, anxiety, suicidality, substance abuse, impaired sexual adjustment, psychosomatic concerns, and interpersonal relationship difficulties. Eighty-one women seeking counseling for issues related to an incestuous childhood, and 90 non sexually abused adult female clients completed the MMPI and a background information questionnaire.A Multivariate Analysis of Variance test comparing the mean profiles demonstrated that the incest group was more somatic, depressed, angry, anxious, and confused. A chi square analysis of two-point code type configurations found the incest group being more classified by the 48/84 and the 24/42 code types whereas the control group was more represented by the 46/64 code type. Lastly, the groups were compared by completing cluster analyses on each group's profiles. Both groups yielded an "overwhelmed" cluster that was statistically the same. Secondly, they each yielded a "normal" cluster that was similar but statistically different. Finally, the incest group yielded an "angry and confused" cluster and the control group yielded a "somatizer" cluster. Descriptions of the clusters and reasons for their differences are proposed.Differential impact was examined by comparing the incest clusters on number of abusers, use of threat or force, identity of the abuser, perceived betrayal by a non offending parent, length of time since abuse, and length of time in counseling. The only significant finding in these analyses was that the "overwhelmed" cluster had a greater number of abusers than the "angry and confused" and the "normal" clusters.The first two analyses were included in the study to validate the similarity of the present data with previous research and to demonstrate the myopic vision that results from analyzing the data in these manners. The cluster analysis allowed for the examination of the differential impact of the numerous long term sequalae. Recommendations for further research are presented as well as implications for treatment.<br>Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis ((M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) --University of the North, 2002<br>Violence against women ts a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which has led to the domination of women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women. It is an old phenomenon that was kept secret, and people pretended that the problem did not exist. It wasn't until the feminist activists openly addressed the issue of inequality that included women's lack of rights and low status within marriage and society as well as battering that the taboo topic was changed into a subject extensively investigated. Extensive research on the topic now exists. As is the case in many developing countries, research on violence against women in Namibia is relatively rare. Research regarding the mental health consequences of abuse is virtually non-existent. It is to this area of research that the present study addressed itself. This study aimed at describing and determining the mental health consequences of battering to which Namibian women are subjected. The study followed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Qualitative research used in-depth interviews based on a semi-structured questionnaire. The measures utilized was an Abuse Disability Questionnaire (ADQ). A demographic questionnaire identifying battered women variables was also utilized. A total of 60 battered women were surveyed and all 60 women completed the questionnaires. In quantitative methods, data were analysed in terms of descriptive statistics. In qualitative methods, closely related data were grouped together under specific titles to serve as categories. The results indicated that Namibian battered women endure physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. The results has shown that age, education, religion, employment status and marital status do not matter. Women are still being battered. The results also indicated that Namibian battered women are indeed subjected to various negative mental health consequences.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigated the incidence of depression, post-traumatic stress symptomatology, anger and guilt in a shelter sample of 40 battered women. In addition, the presence of dysfunctional, evaluative beliefs, as viewed from a Rational-emotive perspective, was investigated, as well as the relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and symptoms of psychopathology. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, Anger Diagnostic Scale, Trauma Related Guilt Inventory and Survey of Personal Beliefs. It was found that 63% of the participants showed moderate to severe levels of depression, while 59% manifested high post-traumatic stress symptomatology. Between 38% and 50% experienced problems with anger whilst 48.5% showed moderate guilt. In general, these symptoms did not correlate with the age of participants or with the duration or frequency of abuse, except for anger which was related to a history of childhood sexual and/or physical abuse. The results of the Survey of Personal Beliefs indicated that the group displayed Otherand Self-directed Demands, Awfulizing, Low Frustration-tolerance and Negative Selfworth. Only Low Frustration-tolerance (underestimation of coping skills) correlated significantly with levels of depression, anger and guilt.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie het die insidensie van depressie, post-traumatiese stressimptome, woede en skuldgevoelens in 'n groep van 40 vroulike slagoffers van gesinsgeweld, wat die huweliksverhouding verlaat het en in 'n skuiling vir mishandelde vroue opgeneem is, ondersoek. Die disfunksionele, evaluerende kognisies, soos deur die Rasioneel-emotiewe gedragsterapie gepostuleer, asook die korrelasie tussen hierdie kognisies en die simptome van psigopatologie, is ook ondersoek. Deelnemers het die Beck Depression Inventory, Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, Anger Diagnostic Scale, Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory en Survey of Personal Beliefs voltooi. Die resultate het aangedui dat 63% van die deelnemers matige tot ernstige vlakke van depressie getoon het, terwyl hoë post-traumatiese stressimptomatologie by 59% voorgekom het. Tussen 38% en 50% het probleme met woede getoon, terwyl matige skuldgevoelens by 48.5% voorgekom het. Oor die algemeen het hierdie simptome nie verband getoon met die ouderdom van deelnemers of met die duur of frekwensie van die mishandeling nie, behalwe die vlak van woede wat 'n verband getoon het met 'n geskiedenis van kindermolestering. Tellings op die Survey of Personal Beliefs het aangedui dat die groep die disfunksionele, evaluerende kognisies van Self- en Ander-gerigte Eise, Katastrofering, Lae Frustrasie - toleransie en Negatiewe Selfwaarde getoon het. Slegs Lae Frustrasie-toleransie (onderskatting van hanteringsvaardighede) het beduidend met vlak van depressie, woede en skuldgevoelens gekorreleer.

D.Ed.<br>The underlying dynamics of Cases A and B have been integrated into a comprehensive description in this chapter. The cross case analysis allowed the researcher to determine the similarities and differences in these two cases. These research findings were then verified against a detailed literature control. The research, as verified by current literature, shows that women who were sexually abused as children all suffer from an Identity Problem. Most literature on the treatment of sexual abuse victims stresses the need to address the women's low selfesteem. Yet, the treatment is geared at her present low self-esteem believed to be a result of the abuse. The research findings agree that sexually abused women have low self-esteem, although their Identity Problem is not a result of the abuse, but an intensification of an already present low self-esteem and Identity Problem. The research findings indicate that their Identity Problems started before the abuse, as early as in the womb. The present Identity Problem renders the young girl more vulnerable to the abuse. The treatment of women who were sexually abused as children should be aimed at reconstructing their Identity's and specifically at treating the root cause of the problem, which is not the abuse itself. Women who were sexually abused as children are prone to feelings of worthlessness and responsibility. Powered by their Identity Problem, a Spiritual Walking Zombie Syndrome develops. Sexually abused women have an overwhelming sense of being responsible for others. And if they cannot keep others happy, which is impossible, they feel like failures and think they are worthless. The feeling of being responsible starts before the sexual violation and the abuse only intensifies these feelings. The research finds that sexual abuse can be a physical, subconscious threat to a person. Subconscious reactions to life threatening incidents differ from individual to individual. If one has accepted death one tends to act dead-like. On the other hand, if one expects death one lives in fear of dying and life is full of disasters. The research also finds that as a result of pre-natal and early childhood experiences, sexually abused women tend to act immaturely when compared to their chronological age. Their immaturity is evident in their dress, their constant self-rejection and by their dysfunctional relationships. From the research findings it is clear that each individual plays out her own life script. This life script determines how she reacts to herself and her environment. Women who were sexually abused as children have a similar life script, which in turn makes them more prone to abuse. Sexually abused women deny themselves the right to be themselves. Their perceived shameful existence, of relegating themselves, starts prior to the abuse. Treatment should therefore address these destructive life scripts and not treat the presenting symptoms. Chapter 7 proposes recommendations for the treatment and prevention of sexual abuse.

M.Cur.<br>The effect of domestic violence on abused women subjected to domestic violence, the family as a unit and the broader community is of such a nature that it inhibits emotional growth in the individual and the community. This may lead to a breakdown in the mental health status of those involved. Facilitation of the mental health of abused women subjected to domestic violence is needed. They experience a lot of negative emotional dynamics in the process of shattering of the self and shattering of other relations. They are entangled in the process of abuse. They are also under the wrong impression that they are victims and that they cannot do anything about it. This is confirmed by the researcher's previous research done on the lived experience of abused women subjected to domestic violence (De Beer, 2001 : 25 - 52). The psychiatric nursing specialist is a person placed and equipped in the community health services to provide the facilitation of the mental health of abused women subjected to domestic violence. Up till now psychiatric nursing specialists did not receive the necessary credit and were not utilised to benefit the community health services, hospitals and the individuals involved.

D.Cur.<br>The overall objective of this research study was the development of a psychiatric nursing science model that will provide a theoretical framework to facilitate the mental health of women exposed to continuous intimate partner abuse. In this thesis continuous intimate partner abuse will also refer to an abusive relationship. Violence against women is a global pandemic that costs the health and lives of more women than malaria, traffic, accidents and war combined (Holm 2000:12). It is stated that around the world at least one woman in every three has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Most often the abuser is a member of her own family. There are a few support structures in place in the rural communities for these women. For many women who have been abused health workers are the main and often the only point of contact with public services which may be able to offer support and information. Yet victims of violence who seek care from health professionals often have needs that providers do not ask about and do not know how to address. A theory generative research design was applied during the conduct of this study. The research project was carried out in four steps of theory generation. Step one dealt with concept analysis which was divided into two sub-steps concept identification and concept definition. During the process of the subiv vii step of concept identification, a qualitative research strategy, which is explorative, descriptive and contextual was used to reveal the true experiences of women in abusive relationships. A purposive sample of 10 women in abusive relationships in the Eastern Cape meeting the selection criteria was utilised. In-depth semi-structured phenomenological interviews were used as a method of data collection.

M.A.<br>NISAA was established in 1994. It is one of the first organisations dealing with women abuse in Lenasia and the surrounding areas. The organisation has great potential in becoming a recognised institution in South Africa. Women who are in distress, have no where to go and are left abandoned have a shelter with NISAA. In the short period of its existence NISAA has strived hard to uplift and assist women. Counselling and treatment is offered on a daily basis by professionals and trained personnel. However, many needs still have to be met and research has shown us that not nearly enough is being done for those who are being abused, be it wife abuse or child abuse. The processs of research is presented in five stages and covers, the problem statement, the literature survey, research methodology, analysis, conclusions and recommendation. The survey of the literature is very important in this study. South Africa has become epitomised by a rapidly changing social order, swiftly unfolding political development and an unprecedented fluidity in the thinking of future opinions. The attitudes and perceptions of domestic violence and violence in general needs to be changed. The chapter on research methodology stresses the importance of feminist organisations. Feminist organisations' role is vital in any study on woman abuse, as research on woman abuse began with these organisations. Methodology in this study also focuses on the qualitative nature of battering, research and the relevant themes surrounding battering. These themes include woman abuse, intervention. treatment and shelters. Other important aspects discussed is coding of data, research design, sampling and interviewing procedures. The analysis and results shows that NISAA has made a significant contribution to battering of women. From the results of this study, NISAA has become an important structure and service in the South African society. The services NISAA should expand on include, a safe and positive crisis help, as well as promoting the rights of all victims. Important to the growth of NISAA is alleviating the funding problem. Other relevant findings discussed are attitudes and perceptions of women abuse and services that encourage and discourage the use of NISAA. These findings compliments. Gishen's (1993) study on the Power Organisation. Recommendations made to NISAA are based on the findings of this research. This research hopefully will expose abuse, help women to achieve recognition in its fight against abuse and in its quest for the empowerment of women. The research was also intended as an educative process. This study entails the physical and psychological abuse of women which has become a global problem. The problem needs to be addressed, understood, analysed and treated. An effective solution must be found.

A growing body of scientific evidence is uncovering how toxic stress and early traumatic experiences have profound long lasting effects on our children’s developing brains and neuro-immune-endocrine systems and are linked to nine out of ten of the most common causes of death in Canada. Domestic violence is linked to many of these effects and although widespread throughout Canada, it receives little attention. In fact, the legal system, the family court system in particular, ignores this medical evidence thereby contributing to the trauma of children. In this thesis I identify and confront eight prevailing myths and biases that create an unfair playing field for women in family court and society and the crisis of justice in Canada. Domestic violence is about power and control over another and I use the lens of the power and control wheel which recognizes eight ways that men use to dominate over women, only one of which involves physical violence. As statistics, reports and medical evidence haven’t been enough to advance actions to address domestic violence on a meaningful level, I use my own story to highlight how this plays out in real life in the hopes of illustrating the urgency of addressing domestic violence in our neighbourhoods. Violence against women requires challenging some deeply held biases and I suggest a more Indigenous perspective on child rearing to help address and mitigate the concerns raised by the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study.<br>May 2016

This study aimed to document the extent of domestic violence among a community sample of women of South Asian origin in the United States, and to investigate sociocultural factors associated with domestic violence in this population. It also investigated the extent of informal and formal help-seeking among women of South Asian origin who are victims of domestic violence and sociocultural factors associated with their help-seeking. The sociocultural factors of isolation (measured by ties with family, friends, and social and cultural groups, as well as ties with spouse/partner), perceived social support, acculturation, and patriarchy were used to predict abuse and help-seeking. Both paper and Web surveys were used to collect data from a cross section of South Asian women residing in the United States of America. In total, 215 cases were included in the multivariate analyses. Most women in the sample were highly educated. Based on the Conflict Tactics Scale -2, results indicated that 38% of the sample experienced psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or injury from abuse in the past year. Psychological abuse was by far the most prevalent form of abuse (52%), but 48% of the women who were abused experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, or injury. Isolation, as measured by ties with spouse/partner, and perceived social support predicted both abuse and help-seeking. Isolation, as measured by ties with family, friends, and social and cultural groups, also predicted help-seeking. Of the women who reported seeking help, the use of informal help sources (e.g., family, friends) was more prevalent than the use of formal resources (e.g., doctors, counselors, battered women’s shelters). The study contributes to the research by providing empirical data on the extent of abuse and help-seeking behaviors of women of South Asian origin in the United States. Among the study’s practice and policy implications for preventing domestic violence is a need to reach out to South Asian women in the community to insure that they are not isolated and know that support is available. The study also suggests that outreach to men is necessary in order to improve relationships with their spouses/partners that may lead to reduced abuse. The information will contribute to designing culturally appropriate interventions to prevent domestic violence and help South Asian women victimized by domestic violence.<br>text

Text in English with abstracts in English, isiXhosa and isiZulu<br>Research about intimate partner violence (hereafter IPV) in South Africa indicate that there are high prevalence rates. The negative effects of this phenomenon create a wide range of physical, mental and emotional problems for those exposed to it. There have been various intervention programmes designed to address IPV. However, the high incidence indicates that these have been ineffective. Seeking to explore women’s lived experiences of IPV at a non-profit organisation, this study gathered data from women with experiences of IPV. Eight participants were selected based on purposive sampling technique from a non-profit organization in Johannesburg. Utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted in English for a duration of one hour, data was gathered from the participants. Using IPA and the ecological model as a theoretical framework to interpret the women’s lived experiences. The findings of the study indicated that individual factors such as childhood exposure to violence influenced the women’s lived experiences of IPV. Stereotypical gender roles and economic strains were found to be at the core of the women’s lived experiences of IPV. Furthermore, broader societal values and beliefs about violence proved to validate and normalise the violence women experienced. The findings broaden our understanding of intimate partner violence and offer an opportunity to add knowledge of intimate partner violence in the South African context.<br>Uphando malunga nobundlobongela obenziwa liqabane othandana nalo (apha okubizwa ngokuba yi-IPV) eMzantsi Afrika lubonakalisa ukuba bukwizinga eliphezulu. Iziphumo ezibi zesi senzeko zidala iingxaki ezahlukahlukeneyo ngokwasemzimbeni, ngokwasengqondweni nangokwasemphefumlweni kwabo basesichengeni sazo. Iinkqubo zongenelelo ezahlukahlukeneyo ziye zayilelwa ukuhlangabezana neIPV. Nangona kunjalo, izehlo eziphezulu zibonakalisa ukuba azikhange zisebenze. Ngokufuna ukuphonononga iimeko amabhinqa aphila phantsi kwazo zeIPV kwiqumrhu elingenzi nzuzo, olu phononongo luqokelele idatha kumabhinqa aphila phantsi kweemeko zeIPV. Abathabathinxaxheba abasibhozo bakhethwa kwiqumrhu elingenzi nzuzo eGoli ngokusekelwe kubuchule bokusampula okunenjongo. Kusetyenziswa udliwanondlebe olwakheke ngokwesiqingatha olwaqhutywa ngesiNgesi ngesithuba seyure enye, idatha yaye yaqokelelwa kubathabathinxaxheba. Uhlalutyo lwamava emo yesenzeko umntu aphila phantsi kwaso (i-IPA) kunye nemodeli yonxibelelwano phakathi koluntu nemekobume yalo zasetyenziswa njengenkqubosikhokelo sethiyori ukutolika iimeko amabhinqa aphila phantsi kwazo. Iziphumo zophononongo zabonakalisa ukuba iimeko ezizodwa ezinje ngokuba sesichengeni sobundlobongela ebuntwaneni ziphembelele iimeko amabhinqa aphila phantsi kwazo zeIPV. Iindima zobuni zeengcinga ezisoloko zisetyenziswa njalo kunye nengxaki yezoqoqosho zafumaniseka zingoyena ndoqo weemeko amabhinqa aphila phantsi kwazo ngokuphathelele kwi-IPV. Kwakhona, imikhwa esulungekileyo yoluntu ngokubanzi kunye neenkolelo malunga nobundlobongela zibonakalise ukwamkela nokubenza bube yinto eqhelekileyo ubundlobongela obuthe behlela amabhinqa.Iziphumo zenza siqonde ngokungaphaya ngeIPV kwaye zinika ithuba lokongeza ulwazi ngeIPV kwimeko yaseMzantsi Afrika.<br>Ucwaningo mayelana nodlame lwezithandani (emva kwalokhu oluzobizwa nge-IPV) eNingizimu Afrika lukhombisa ukuphakama okukhulu kwamazinga okwanda nokusabalala kwalolu hlobo lodlame kuleli. Imithelela engemihle neze yalolu dlame idala izinkinga eziningi impela kulabo abazithola bebhekene nalolu dlame, okungaba yizinkinga zomzimba, zengqondo kanye nezomphefumulo. Ziningi izinhlelo zokungenelela ezisunguliwe njengomzamo wokuqeda isihlava se-IPV. Kepha-ke, ukubhebhetheka nokusabalala kakhulu kwezigameko zalolu dlame kubonisa ukuthi azisebenzi neze kahle lezi zinhlelo zokungenelela. Lolu cwaningo lwaqoqa idatha kwabesifazane abake bahlangabezana ne-IPV, ngenhloso yokucubungula nokuhlaziya ngokujulile izigameko abadlule kuzona abesifazane abayizisulu ze-IPV abathola usizo enhlanganweni engenzi nzuzo. Ababambiqhaza abayisishiyagalombili abavela enhlanganweni engenzi nzuzo eGoli bakhethwa ngokulandela indlela yokukhetha ababambiqhaza ngokwezici-bunjalo zabo ezihambelana nezinhloso zocwaningo. Idatha yaqoqwa kubabambiqhaza ngokusebenzisa izingxoxo ezingama-semi-structured interviews ezabanjwa ngolimi lwesiNgisi isikhathi esiyihora. Kwasetshenziswa i-interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) kanye ne-ecological model njengohlaka lwethiyori yokuhumusha izigameko abadlule kuzona abesifazane ezimpilweni zabo.Imiphumela-ngqangi yocwaningo yakhombisa ukuthi izimo eziqondene nomuntu ngamunye, njengokuhlangabezana komuntu nodlame ngenkathi eseyingane, kwaba nomthelela kwindlela abesifazane abahlangabezana ngayo nezigameko ze-IPV nezinyathelo abazithathayo kanye nolwazi abaluzuzayo kulokhu. Amaqhaza kanye nemisebenzi ethathwa njengemisebenzi yabesifazane kuphela kanye nezimo zomnotho ezinzima ababhekene nazo abesifazane kwaba nomthelela kwindlela abahlangabezana ngayo nezigameko ze-IPV kanye nezinyathelo abazithathayo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, izimompilo kanye nezinkolelo zomphakathi wonkana eziphathelene nodlame zabonisa ukugunyazeka ngandlelathize kodlame abahlangabezane nalo abesifazane futhi ngokunjalo zalwenza lwaba yinto ethathwa njengejwayelekile. Imiphumela-ngqangi yocwaningo ikhulisa ukuqonda kwethu i-IPV futhi ihlinzeka ngethuba lokwengeza olwazini lwe-IPV oluqondene nesimo saseNingizimu Afrika.<br>Psychology<br>M.A. (Psychology)