Problem-Focused Coping Strategies Used by Victims of Gender Violence Across the Stages of Change

Abstract

This study compares the problem-focused emotion regulation strategies used by 200 female survivors of intimate partner violence (age: M = 40.16, SD = 11.27, 18 – 66 years) to cope with violence throughout various stages of change (SOC). It examines the relationship between problem-focused coping strategies and positive and negative affect, and the impact of these variables on the different SOC. Results suggest that victims differ and are flexible in the use of strategies throughout the various SOC. During the initial stages, victims tend to use passive/maladaptive behaviors that hamper change, while in the later stages they use more active/adaptive strategies to leave the abusive relationship.

The role of women’s resources in the prediction of intimate partner violence revictimization by the same or different aggressors

“…In any case, these results support the utility of using an intra-individual approach in the study of coping strategies as opposed to trans-transituational models that assume the functionality or dysfunctionality of the strategies without taking into account the context in which they are used ( Waldrop and Resick, 2004 ; Puente-Martinez et al, 2021 ). In this study, it has been found that under circumstances of violence maintained over time in different relationships, in women with low social support and younger age, the victims are more likely to use strategies of reevaluation of the situation to adapt to it in the short term, although this could mean maintaining the situation of violence.…”

“…Social or interpersonal resources, mainly assessed through the perceived social support of IPV victims, have also frequently been included among the predictors associated with revictimization in gender-based violence and in most studies they are given a mainly protective role ( Goodman et al, 2005 ; Valentine et al, 2016 ; Ogbe et al, 2020 ; Ørke et al, 2020 ). Finally, with respect to emotional resources, there is a line of research which has focused on exploring the victims’ use of both emotional regulation and coping strategies in the face of stress to mitigate the consequences of IPV ( Crowe and Murray, 2015 ; Puente-Martinez et al, 2021 ). Even so, the evidence that has analyzed emotional regulation and coping processes in the population of IPV victims is scarce and heterogeneous when compared with the high number of studies conducted to examine the role of material and interpersonal resources ( Keeling et al, 2016 ; Orke et al, 2018 ).…”

“…The second, on the contrary, refers to more passive coping strategies, it is negatively associated with healthy stress coping styles and usually includes avoidance strategies, negative self-focus or delusional thinking ( Sandín and Chorot, 2003 ; Iverson et al, 2013 ). When transferred to the field of IPV, it has been recommended that women victims be trained in the use of “engagement” strategies which would provide them with a protective role against revictimization, while passive strategies would favor revictimization ( Iverson et al, 2013 ; Puente-Martinez et al, 2021 ).…”

“…In contrast to the previous approach, it is currently considered more appropriate to analyze each coping strategy separately, examining their functionality in a given context and population, rather than grouping them into watertight and general categories that underestimate the complexity of the reality experienced by women victims of IPV ( Lewis et al, 2006 ; Sullivan et al, 2010 ; Puente-Martinez et al, 2021 ). A review on coping in female victims of domestic violence supports the use of an intra-individual approach in the study of coping because coping tends to vary as a function of the characteristics of the stressful situation ( Waldrop and Resick, 2004 ).…”

“…In accordance with the above, it is considered that the situational and personal variables that model the functionality of the different coping strategies have a short trajectory of study ( Meyer et al, 2010 ). It seems that the level of perceived control over the situation, as well as the contextual factors that determine the level of change in the situation, are factors which have a great impact on the choice of the coping strategy used and its functionality ( Kacot, 2003 ; Puente-Martinez et al, 2021 ). In women victims of IPV, the cognitive avoidance strategy, understood as continuous attempts to keep the mind busy, spending time away from home, or distracting themselves with another activity, is frequently encountered, arguing that women resort to it in the face of a lack of controllability over the violent situation ( Walsh et al, 2011 ; Pérez-Tarrés et al, 2017 ; Ozturk et al, 2019 ).…”