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Coping and Violence Exposure as
Predictors of Psychological Functioning in Domestic Violence
Survivors
Lewis, C.S., Griffing, S., Chu, M., Jospitre, T., Sage,
R.E., Madry, L., and Primm, B.J.
Violence Against Women Quarterly.12 (4), 340-354. (2006)
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This study examines the differential effects of adult
and childhood physical and psychological abuse, abuse-specific coping,
and psychological adjustment in battered women seeking emergency shelter.
Multivariate regression analyses confirmed the devastating impact
of psychological abuse (childhood and concurrent) on battered women’s
adjustment. The results corroborated prior research suggesting a cumulative
vulnerability to psychological victimization in a substantial proportion
of residents. Unexpectedly, frequency of physical violence was unrelated
to women’s distress. The study argues that modes of coping traditionally
considered adaptive, e.g. engaged, proactive – may be unsafe
for battered women and children. The multifaceted nature of survivor’s
coping choices is discussed. |
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