Using general systems theory, we describe findings from a larger qualitative phenomenological study that examined the relational effects of mindfulness training when one member of a couple completed an 8-week, mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) in the last 6 months. In this segment of the larger qualitative study, we describe what intimate partners observed and if they experienced any direct benefits from the graduates' individual MBSR training. Eleven primarily White, college-educated couples (nine heterosexual and two same sex couples) participated in the larger study; average relationship length was 13.8 years. The following three major themes and seven subthemes emerged for the 11 intimate partners of MBSR graduates: (1) positive observations (general positive perception, graduate's improved emotional balance); (2) perceived impact (perception of communications, impact on intimate partner and relationship); and (3) meaning making (appreciation, incongruence of meaning, continuing practice). Findings suggest intimate partners observed improved emotional balance in MBSR graduates, but reported that behavioral changes were limited in scale and just emerging. Developing mindfulnessenhanced couple interventions that target dyadic outcomes could improve the relational benefits of mindfulness practice. Future studies should examine emotion regulation as a potential relational pathway of mindfulness and include more diverse samples of couples.
We conducted in-depth interviews with 37 incarcerated women on their experience of rage towards their intimate partner. Participants used specific criteria to distinguish their experience of rage from anger. Rage is described as an overwhelming experience with particular physiological and cognitive changes that takes control of a woman's emotions and actions. In contrast, anger is described as a controllable emotion with a specific termination point. Motivations for acting violently in rage with an intimate partner are described and discussed. Findings suggest a primary trigger for experiencing rage is feeling threatened and feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
In this qualitative study we sought to explore the triggers involved in women's rage that are expressed towards their intimate partners. In-depth interviews were conducted with 37 incarcerated women who reported experiencing rage towards their partner. Unresolved trauma from childhood closely linked to current levels of adult rage; specific types of trauma that were reported included experiencing physical and sexual abuse, feeling unprotected by caretakers, and having observed domestic violence within their homes. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were described within the stories of rage as women recounted their experiences of intimate partner violence. Common triggers for igniting rage included women perceiving a threat to themselves, a threat to their loved ones, and emotional abuse.Keywords Women's violence Á Women's rage Á Women's trauma Á Trauma and violence Á PTSD Á Childhood abuse Á Abuse and violence Á Intimate partner violence Á IPV Á Women offenders
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a clinical technique may enhance treatment effectiveness when applied within a couple therapy approach that is emotionally and experientially oriented. Clinical experience indicates that EMDR-based interventions are useful for accessing, activating, tolerating, and reprocessing the intense emotions that often fuel dysfunctional couple interactions. Using EMDR within conjoint sessions to reprocess negative emotions can amplify intimacy, increase connection, and subsequently lead to a change in problematic relationship patterns.
Much research now indicates significant long-term effects for individuals who have experienced various forms of abuse in childhood. Recent research also has examined the role of women as perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV), including potential factors that contribute to their use of violence. One trend revealed in the research is that many of the women who engaged in acts of IPV also had a history of experiencing one or more types of childhood abuse (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, or witnessing family violence). This article discusses the specific framework of complex trauma as a theoretical model to understand how unresolved triggers of childhood trauma may potentially serve as ongoing catalysts for women's IPV. Using the lens of complex trauma illuminates the critical interpersonal factor yet to be studied thus far, which suggests that many women's IPV experiences may be rooted in having childhood traumas triggered by their intimate partner. Suggestions for treatment are recommended as exploring the intersection between past trauma and present violence, which seems to be the key for unlocking important answers in treating violent women and decreasing IPV.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.