Coping variables that mediate the relation between intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes among low-income, African American women

Abstract

Coping variables that mediate the relation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health outcomes among African American women were investigated. The study sample included 143 economically disadvantaged African American women ranging in age from 21 to 64 years old who were receiving services at an urban public health system. Sixty-five had experienced IPV within the past year and 78 had never experienced IPV. Results indicated that (a) the IPV status-depressive symptoms link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, spiritual well-being, and social support; (b) the IPV status-anxiety symptoms link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, social support, and ability to access resources; and (c) the IPV status-parenting stress link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, spiritual well-being, and social support. Implications of these findings for clinical practice with abused women are discussed.

The effects of cumulative victimization on psychological distress.

“…Necessary to note, a growing body of research suggests socioeconomic status more accurately predicts victimization risk than race as mentioned previously (Logan et al, 2006;Mitchell, et al, 2006). Thus, poor women who also experience any of the previously mentioned risk factors are at an even higher risk for experiencing victimization than women with higher socioeconomic status (Breiding, et al, 2008;Logan et al, 2006).…”

“…al, 2001;Hill, Kaplan, French, & Johnson, 2010). Results from a study conducted by Hill and colleagues (2010) (Borelli, Goshin, Joestl, Clark, & Byrne, 2010;Cohen & Wills, 1985;Coker et al, 2002b;Coker, Watkins, Smith, & Brandt, 2003;Collins, & Feeney, 2004;Crouch, Milner, & Caliso, 1995;Kendler, Gardner, & Prescott, 2002;Mitchell et al, 2006;Mburia-Mwalili et al, 2010;Nurius et al, 2003). Brewin and colleagues' meta-analysis (2000) found that a lack of social support is a significant risk factor for post-traumatic stress.…”

“…When an individual possesses a variety of positive coping skills, the likelihood of psychological distress decreases; in contrast if one utilizes negative coping skills, the likelihood of distress increases (Charney, 2004;Dutton, 2009;Lazarus, 2006;Mitchell et al, 2006 Substance use and psychological distress. A number of empirical studies examine the relationship between substance use and psychological distress (Briere & Jordan, 2004;Engstrom, El-Bassel, & Gilbert, 2012;Kendall-Tackett, 2002;Kendler, Gardner, & Prescott, 2002;Testa, Livingston, & Leonard, 2003).…”

“…Additionally, based on seminal research by Houskamp andFoy (1991), andGolding (1999) there is clear evidence of a relationship between adult IPV and psychological distress (Basile, Arias, Desai, & Thompson, 2004;Becker, Stuewig, & McCloskey, 2010;Bonomi et al, 2006;Briere & Jordan, 2004;Carbone-Lopez, Kruttschnitt, & Macmillan, 2006;Clements & Sawhney, 2000;Coker et al, 2002a;Coker et al, 2000b;Coker, Watkins, Smith, & Brandt, 2003;Dienemann et al, 2000;Dutton, 2009;Golder, Connell, Sullivan, 2012;Hedtke, et al, 2008;Houry, Kaslow, & Thompson, 2005;Kennedy et.al, 2012;Krebs, Breiding, Browne, & Warner, 2011;Lacey, et al, 2013;Mburia-Mwalili, ClementsNolle, Lee, Shadley, & Yang, 2010;Mitchell et al, 2006;Najdowski & Ullman, 2009;Nurius & Macy, 2008;Peters, Khondkarayn, & Sullivan, 2012;Pico-Alfonso et al, 2006;20 Salisbury & Voorhis, 2009;Woods, 2005;Young-Wolff et al, 2013). Various types of psychological distress result from adult IPV experiences including depression, suicidality, anxiety, PTSD, dissociation, somatization, and chronic stress (Briere & Jordan, 2004;Clements & Sawhney, 2000;Dutton, 2009;Nurius & Macy, 2008).…”

“…Coping and psychological distress. Coping is defined as "cognitive and behavioral efforts made to master, tolerate, or reduce external and internal demands and conflicts" (Aneshensel, 1992, p. 18); put more simply, coping includes actions taken by an individual that result in a decreased rate of reported stress (Mitchell et al, 2006).…”