A Qualitative Analysis of College Women's Leaving Processes in Abusive Relationships |
| |
| Authors: | Katie M. Edwards PhD Megan J. Murphy MS Erin C. Tansill MS Christina Myrick BA Danielle R. Probst PhD Rebecca Corsa BA |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology , University of New Hampshire , Durham , New Hampshire;2. Department of Psychology , Ohio University , Athens , Ohio;3. Department of Psychology , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , British Columbia , Canada;4. The Ohio State University Medical Center , Columbus , Ohio;5. Department of Social Work , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan |
| |
| Abstract: | Abstract Objective: This study assessed the process of leaving an abusive dating relationship utilizing a qualitative design. Methods: Participants included 123 college women in abusive dating relationships who participated at the beginning and end of a 10-week academic quarter. Results: Qualitative content analyses were used to analyze the transcribed responses to an open-ended question about women's leaving processes over the interim period. A variety of categories and themes emerged for women in different stages of the leaving process, consistent with the Transtheoretical Model of Change and Investment Model. Data also underscored women's lack of acknowledgment, minimization, and normalization of abuse. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the importance of dating violence intervention and prevention programming on college campuses and offer information that may be useful to college health providers who assist women in abusive dating relationships. |
| |
| Keywords: | abuse dating violence leaving process qualitative stay/leave decisions |
|
|
