Relationship Power As a Mediator of Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Issues Among Incarcerated, Substance-Using Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine perceived relationship power as a mediator of the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health issues among incarcerated women with a history of substance use. Cross-sectional data from 304 women as part of the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies (CJ-DATS) were used to evaluate this hypothesis. Regression analyses examined the mediation relationship of perceived relationship power in the association between a history of IPV and mental health issues. Results supported the hypothesis, suggesting that perceived relationship power helps to explain the association between IPV and mental health issues. Implications of the findings for the provision of services to address the needs of these women are discussed, including assessment of perceived relationship power and focusing counseling interventions on women’s experiences with power in intimate relationships.

Partner Relationships and Injection Sharing Practices among Rural Appalachian Women

“…Scores on the overall measure of relationship power (SRPS composite) and subscales with this sample of rural WWIDs were consistent with other studies focused on incarcerated women drug users (Knudsen et al, 2008; Minieri et al, 2014). Most studies examining relationship power have focused on variations in sexual practices (Berenson et al, 2015; Campbell et al, 2009; Knudsen et al, 2008).…”

“…In general, women’s initiation, maintenance, and relapse to drug use have been theoretically associated with their relationships (Finkelstein & Piedade, 1993; Minieri et al, 2014; Staton-Tindall, et al, 2007). The relational model is a gender-specific framework that suggests women’s relationship “disconnections” can lead to isolation and anxiety, which has been associated with problem behaviors like drug use (Covington & Surrey, 1997; Staton-Tindall, et al, 2007).…”

Traumatic brain injury and abuse among female offenders compared to non-incarcerated controls

“…A history of abuse was highly prevalent among both offenders and controls, with TBI Index scores correlating with both childhood and partner physical abuse. Both childhood adversity and partner abuse have been shown to negatively impact a range of outcomes among female offenders, including mental health, rates of attempted suicide, and substance abuse (49)(50)(51). Mental illness, partner physical abuse, and number of convictions were all predictive of TBI Index scores, highlighting the complex vulnerability of this group.…”

Why Women Engage in Anal Intercourse: Results from a Qualitative Study

“…While this was not the case for some of the women in our study who were not shy about saying “no” when anal penetration was painful, many of the women also simply acquiesced. Minieri et al ( 2014 ) noted that experience of intimate partner violence among drug-using women can undermine relationship power. Whatever the truth might be about the “surprise” element involved in the anal intercourse events reported by this sample of women, more study is needed to understand the context of individual risk, consent, and refusal among minority women.…”