INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, SOCIAL SUPPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH IN MARRIED WOMEN

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between intimate partner violence, social support and mental health in married women. The study utilizes correlation design. Purposive sample was taken from 200 married women (working women=150, non-working women=50) with the age range of 18 to 50 years (M=34.22, SD=9.82). They administered Abusive Behavior Inventory ABI (Shepherd & Campbell, 1992), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support MSPSS (Zimet et al., 1998), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS) and Demographic form. Correlation research design was used and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation, Multiple Hierarchical Linear Regression and Independent sample t-test on SPSS 22. The results showed that significant relationship found between intimate partner violence, social support and mental health in married women. Women who faced intimate partner violence were having low social support and mental health. It was also found that intimate partner violence and social support were significant predictors of mental health in married women. The results have clear implications as the present study highlights the aspect of violence against women by their partner and how social support act as a buffering factor to reduce intimate partner violence and enhanced mental health of married women. This study paved the path for other researcher to work on intimate partner violence and its relation to other factors in married women. At the present time the knowledge and understanding about the intimate partner violence will give rise to the strategies for studies regarding the planning of treatment processes and contribute to widening the perspective in this direction. Special counseling sessions can be offered for the women facing difficulties in life. Counselor can work on self-compassion, copying skills and resilience for women facing intimate partner violence.