Perceptions of Thriving by Women who Have Experienced Abuse or Status-Related Oppression

Abstract

This study used the term “thriving,” grounded theory design, and focus group interviews to investigate women's health. Purposeful sampling yielded women who had experienced abuse in adult interpersonal relationships and status-related oppression ( N = 21). Four focus groups identified factors that define and contribute to thriving, began the analysis, and later confirmed the output. Results indicated thriving exceeds previous exploration of the absence of problems to denote vigorous, even superlative health. A model emerged about the defining and contributing properties of thriving as a specific type of energy characterized by complex interconnections between and cycles of activity, rest, and stasis. Three factors defined the structure and process of thriving: (a) individual perceptions, motives, and resources, (b) the nature of the relationship a woman has with her adversity, and (c) properties of the environment vis-à-vis interpersonal relationships. Implications for assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies, as well as future research directions are explored.