The Necessity of Developing Psychological Resilience in Individuals who have Experienced Domestic Violence: Analysis of the Issue

Abstract

Introduction. The article is aimed at analysing the problem of overcoming the consequences of domestic violence through increasing the victim’s resilience. The relevance of the study is explained by several factors: firstly, the increasing frequency of domestic violence, and secondly, the necessity of including in rehabilitation programs blocks for the development of those personal characteristics that will allow not only to overcome the experienced stress, but also to reduce the possibility of getting into situations of violence again. Adequate levels of psychological resilience are seen by the authors as a necessary condition for optimizing the exit from the victim position. The novelty of the study is expressed in the fact that for the first time in our country resilience is considered as a factor influencing overcoming the consequences of violence.Objective. To explore the importance of developing psychological resilience in victims of domestic violence.Definition of violence and its types. The authors provide the main theoretical provisions regarding the psychological analysis of violence, the consequences of violence for the victim, and psychological resilience. Violence is distinguished from aggression and conflicts by its systematic nature and actions aimed at suppressing the will of the victim.The effects of violence on the victim. The authors mention the main consequences of violence, which include deterioration of physical and mental health, changes in behavioural patterns, and suicidal tendencies. The concept of psychological resilience. Psychological resilience as a factor influencing the recovery of a victim of violence is understood by the authors as the ability to withstand difficult life situations while maintaining mental and physical health.Discussion. The authors’ ideas about the mandatory development of resilience in victims of domestic violence are confirmed by the opinion of researchers of victim behaviour. The development of victim psychological resilience is associated with the replacement of victim behaviour with assertive behaviour. The ability to resist violence is also influenced by the development of such aspects of psychological resilience as fight avoidance, meaningfulness, emotional regulation, and building supportive social ties. In general, an adequate level of psychological resilience affects the ability to part with the subject of violence, as well as the development of psychological disorders in victims. The author’s position is expressed in the opinion that the formation of resilience in victims of violence will lead to the possibility of their self-change, which will transform public opinion about them.