Women's Decisions to Stay in or Leave an Abusive Relationship: Results From a Longitudinal Study in Bolivia

Violence Against Women. 2018 Nov;24(14):1639-1657. doi: 10.1177/1077801217741993. Epub 2017 Dec 25.

Abstract

This study examined Bolivian women's decisions to stay with or leave their violent partners. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used as the theoretical framework. One hundred thirty-four women were assessed 3 times over 6 months. The TPB constructs were measured at T1 and T2; relationship status was assessed at T3. At T2, attitudes about staying and leaving predicted the intention to leave. Intention to leave at T2 but not at T1 predicted relationship status at T3. These results suggest that the decision to leave was consolidated between T1 and T2, and attitudes toward staying were most relevant to this decision.

Keywords: Bolivia; decision to leave; intimate partner violence; theory of planned behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bolivia
  • Decision Making*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Intimate Partner Violence / prevention & control
  • Intimate Partner Violence / psychology*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Middle Aged
  • Organizations, Nonprofit / organization & administration
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*