The Role of Presumed Head and Neck Injuries in Emotion Dysregulation Among Community Women With a History of Physical Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among women and associated with negative outcomes, including emotion dysregulation. Limited research has examined factors that contribute to emotion dysregulation in this population. This study explores the potential influence of presumed head and neck injuries from IPV on five dimensions of emotion dysregulation. Participants were 352 community women who responded to an online survey. Results of a path analysis indicated that presumed head and neck injuries from IPV were significantly associated with lack of emotional clarity and difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors when experiencing emotions. Findings suggest an association between presumed head and neck injuries from IPV and emotion dysregulation, underscoring the potential need for considering both neurological and psychological factors in the assessment and treatment of emotion dysregulation in this population.

The Relationship between Intimate Partner Violence and Online Help-Seeking: A Moderated Mediation Model of Emotion Dysregulation and Perceived Anonymity

“…Research and theory suggest that ED is closely correlated with experiencing IPV [ 12 ]. IPV is associated with several poor health outcomes, including ED [ 12 , 27 ].…”

“…Research and theory suggest that ED is closely correlated with experiencing IPV [ 12 ]. IPV is associated with several poor health outcomes, including ED [ 12 , 27 ]. ED is characterized by maladaptive responses to emotions, including: (1) a lack of awareness, understanding, and acceptance of emotions; (2) the inability to control behavior when experiencing emotional distress; (3) a lack of access to situationally appropriate strategies for modulating the duration and intensity of emotional responses in order to meet individual goals and situational demands; and (4) an unwillingness to experience emotional distress as part of pursuing meaningful activities in life [ 29 ].…”

“…Muñoz-Rivas et al [ 27 ] demonstrated that there is a general difficulty in regulating emotions among victims who have experienced IPV. According to the general model of ED by Fryc et al [ 12 ], ED is one factor that may be especially relevant among survivors with a history of IPV. If women who have experienced IPV also have experienced ED, both psychotherapy and neurological consultation will be required for health [ 12 ].…”

“…According to the general model of ED by Fryc et al [ 12 ], ED is one factor that may be especially relevant among survivors with a history of IPV. If women who have experienced IPV also have experienced ED, both psychotherapy and neurological consultation will be required for health [ 12 ]. Therefore, ED is a result of strain and predisposes one to help-seeking behavior [ 38 ].…”

“…IPV victims often obtain informational resources and emotional encouragement through social media [ 5 ]. Fryc et al [ 12 ] found that IPV often causes mental health problems in the victim, and mental health problems are a major cause of inducing people to seek help online [ 7 , 13 ]. In addition, the anonymity of SNS can help people overcome the obstacles of face-to-face service and increase their willingness to seek online help.…”