CO-MORBID PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS AMONG FEMALE VICTIMS OF PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND PHYSICALLY ABUSIVE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between the severity of psychological and physical abuse in intimate heterosexual relationships and the number and severity of mental health symptoms displayed by female partners. Secondary analyses were conducted on assessment data from female partners in 242 couples who sought conjoint therapy at a university-based Marriage and Family Therapy clinic. The results did not fully support the hypotheses that women in more abusive relationships manifest a greater number of negative mental health outcomes; however, as compared to women in non-violent relationships, women in more abusive relationships were more likely to engage in substance abuse behaviors. Furthermore, specific trauma symptoms in female partners were related to specific types of emotional and physical abuse displayed by male partners. Few significant relationships were found between levels of abuse and females' display of depression and fear of partner.