Social support moderates negative effects of partner violence on mental health
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Paige Hall Smith, Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: Objectives: Social support for abused women may reduce the impact of abuse on mental
health, yet few studies have addressed this issue. We wish to determine associations between
intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health outcomes and to assess the protective role
of abuse disclosure and support on mental health among abused women.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 1152 women, ages 18–65, recruited from
family practice clinics from 1997 through 1999. They were screened for IPV during a brief inclinic
interview, and physical and mental health status was assessed in a follow-up interview.
Results: IPV, defined as sexual, physical, or psychological abuse, was associated with poor
perceived mental and physical health, substance abuse, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), current depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation/actions. Among women experiencing
IPV and controlling for IPV frequency, higher social support scores were associated
with a significantly reduced risk of poor perceived mental health (adjusted relative risk
[aRR] 0.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3, 0.6) and physical health (aRR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5, 0.8),
anxiety (aRR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2, 0.4), current depression (aRR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5, 0.8), PTSD symptoms
(aRR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4, 0.8), and suicide attempts (aRR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4, 0.9).
Conclusions: Healthcare providers can be instrumental in identifying IPV and helping
women develop skills, resources, and support networks to address IPV. Physicians, family,
or friends may provide needed social support.
Social support moderates negative effects of partner violence on mental health
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Created on 10/4/2012
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Language: English
- Date: 2002
- Keywords
- intimate partner violence, mental health, women's health, psychology, social support