The impact of different forms of psychological abuse on battered women

Violence Vict. 1999 Spring;14(1):105-17.

Abstract

Battered women receiving either shelter (n = 30) or nonshelter services (n = 30) from a domestic violence agency were interviewed regarding psychological abuse and its aftermath. Four types of abuse were derived from factor analysis: ridiculing of traits, criticizing behavior, ignoring, and jealous control. Sheltered women experienced ridicule and jealous/control more often than nonsheltered women. For the entire sample, ridiculing of traits was rated as the most severe form. Ignoring was the strongest predictor of low self-esteem. Both psychological abuse and physical abuse contributed independently to depression and low self-esteem. However, fear of being abused was uniquely predicted by psychological abuse. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Battered Women / psychology*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Jealousy
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Concept*
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology*