Women Tell All: A Comparative Thematic Analysis of Women's Perspectives on Two Brief Counseling Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb 22;19(5):2513. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19052513.

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem that is commonly experienced by women and associated with psychosocial health issues. Recovering from IPV through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE) is a brief, clinician-administered, variable-length (1-6 sessions), modular, individualized psychosocial counseling intervention developed for women experiencing IPV. We present qualitative feedback and quantitative helpfulness ratings from women patients of the Veterans Health Administration who completed a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing RISE to a clinician-administered advocacy-based Enhanced Care as Usual (ECAU; a single structured session consisting of psychoeducation, safety-planning, resources, and referrals).

Methods: 58 participants (Mage = 39.21) completed post-intervention semi-structured qualitative interviews, including helpfulness ratings, at two follow-up assessments (10- and 14-weeks post-enrollment) to assess the acceptability, usefulness, and perceived fit of the interventions for women's needs. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a hybrid deductive-inductive analytic approach.

Results: While both the RISE and ECAU interventions were deemed helpful (interventions were rated as 'highly helpful' by 77% of RISE and 52% of ECAU participants), differences were identified in perceived impacts of the intervention, application of content, approach to patient-centeredness, and implementation recommendations.

Conclusions: Findings shed light on women Veterans' experiences and preferences for IPV psychosocial counseling interventions. Such knowledge can inform evidence-based, trauma-informed, and individualized care for women Veterans who experience IPV and may have relevance to other populations of women who experience IPV.

Keywords: intimate partner violence; patient preferences; qualitative research; treatment; women veterans.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Counseling
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence* / prevention & control
  • Intimate Partner Violence* / psychology
  • Veterans* / psychology