The Attenuating Effect of Empowerment on IPV-Related PTSD Symptoms in Battered Women Living in Domestic Violence Shelters

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with significant psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, factors that attenuate the impact of IPV on PTSD remain largely unknown. Using hierarchical regression, this investigation explored the impact of resource acquisition and empowerment on the relationship between IPV and PTSD. Empowerment demonstrated greater relative importance over resource acquisition. Specifically, empowerment was found to attenuate the impact of IPV severity on PTSD at low and moderate levels of violence. The importance of fostering empowerment and addressing PTSD in addition to provision of resources in battered women is discussed.

Exploratory Evaluation ofSí, Yo Puedo: A Culturally Competent Empowerment Program for Immigrant Latina Women in Group Settings

“…In a review of the literature examining how empowerment is perceived and understood in addressing DV programs, Kasturirangan (2008) described the process of empowerment as the ability to become aware and conscious of self (i.e., critical awareness) and environmental factors that influence an individual's ability to create goals for change in the present or in the future. In one study examining the correlation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 227 DV shelter residents, the Personal Progress Scale-Revised was used to measure the factor of empowerment on IPV on PTSD (Perez et al, 2012). Findings indicated that establishing the process of empowerment is important in examining victims of DV who experience PTSD.…”

“…(2) the process of empowerment, and (3) the characteristics of empowerment (Kasturirangan, 2008;Perez, Johnson, & Wright, 2012). Researchers studying the concept of empowerment agree that empowerment is a process; however, it is unclear of how that process is experienced.…”

“…Researchers studying the concept of empowerment agree that empowerment is a process; however, it is unclear of how that process is experienced. More common are characteristics of empowerment (e.g., gaining a sense of control, ability to access resources, and engage in activities for social and political change to occur; Kasturirangan, 2008;Perez, et al, 2012). In a review of the literature examining how empowerment is perceived and understood in addressing DV programs, Kasturirangan (2008) described the process of empowerment as the ability to become aware and conscious of self (i.e., critical awareness) and environmental factors that influence an individual's ability to create goals for change in the present or in the future.…”

Social and Health Care Professionals’ Views on Responsible Agency in the Process of Ending Intimate Partner Violence

“…The existing research findings highlight the importance of fostering a sense of empowerment when intervening in the case of battered women (Kulkarni et al, 2012;Perez et al, 2012). In my data, the professionals' discourse on empowerment means locating the victim's resources and strengths, and increasing her ability to act and her control over her life.…”

From Blue to Green: The Development and Implementation of a Therapeutic Horticulture Program for Residents of a Battered Women’s Shelter

“…Proponents of therapeutic horticulture suggest that the benefits from horticulture as therapy are wide-ranging, thus affecting many dimensions of well-being during a targeted period of skill-building. As recipients of ongoing violence and abuse, IPV victims experience the range of physical and mental sequelae encompassing trauma symptoms; physical injury; somatic symptoms resulting from stress; cognitive disruption; anxiety and depression; as well as symptoms resulting from ineffective modes of coping, such as substance abuse (Perez et al, 2012;Sutherland et al, 2002;Thomas et al, 2008). Therefore, therapeutic horticulture might also be beneficial for IPV victims, but little is known about its effectiveness with this population.…”