Relationship self-efficacy protects against mental health problems among women in bidirectionally aggressive intimate relationships with men.

Abstract

Research examining predictors or correlates of mental health problems among women who experience or use aggression in intimate relationships typically assesses factors that confer risk. Such research has primarily examined intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization or aggression frequency or severity as central risk factors for mental health problems. In the general population, one factor demonstrating a protective effect on mental health problems is self-efficacy. Research on self-efficacy among women who experience or use aggression in intimate relationships is nearly absent. The purpose of this study is to determine if self-efficacy specific to a woman’s ability to manage various relationship problems (i.e., relationship self-efficacy, RSE), plays a protective role against the severity of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms among 354 community-residing women who are victimized and use aggression (bidirectional IPV). Regression analyses found that RSE uniquely predicted each mental health outcome above and beyond what was accounted for by the frequency of physical, sexual, and psychological victimization and aggression. Further, RSE fully mediated the relationships between psychological victimization and each mental health outcome. If replicated, and in circumstances where it is determined safe to do so, findings suggest RSE as a promising avenue for future research to improve the health and wellbeing of women in bidirectionally aggressive relationships.

The mediating role of self-stigma and self-efficacy between intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and depression among men who have sex with men in China

“…These findings corroborate a previous study that supported a similar serial mediation model of self-stigma and self-efficacy in the association between prejudiced events and physical health among sexual minority populations [50]. In fact, several studies have suggested that general self-efficacy may be a source of resilience for people involved in aggressive intimate relationships [51]. Thus the results underscored the importance to increase self-efficacy, for example via personal empowerment and cognitivebehavior therapy, in order to reduce the negative impacts of IPV and stigma on mental health in counseling interventions and psycho-educational programming targeted at MSM.…”

Association Between Physical Fitness and Anxiety in Children: A Moderated Mediation Model of Agility and Resilience

“…Previous research has shown various protective factors for anxiety, such as self-efficacy ( 13 ), coping style ( 14 ), and social support ( 15 ). A positive role for physical activity in the prevention of anxiety has also been shown in several types of recent studies ( 16 – 18 ).…”

Evaluating an Intergenerational Model to Explain the Path From Violence Against Mothers to Child Behavior and Academic Outcomes

“…However, having a positive sense of self-efficacy may protect victims of partner violence from mental health problems after partner violence. Relationship self-efficacy protected against mental health problems in a group of 354 women who were victims and perpetrators of partner violence (Sullivan, McPartland, Price, Cruza-Guet, & Swan, 2013).…”