The Coping Strategies of Intimate Partner Violence Survivors

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of coping strategies (CSs) among women with intimate partner violence (IPV) experience in Jordan and the relationships between types of IPV, demographic factors, and CSs (problem-focused strategies [PFS], emotion-focused strategies [EFS], and avoidance-oriented strategies [AOS]) that they use. It also explores the predicting factors affecting the types of CSs applied. Eighty-nine Jordanian and Syrian women who experienced abuse were involved in the study. The data were collected using the revised version of the Conflict Tactics Scale (Straus et al., 1996) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations: Situation-Specific Scale (Endler & Parker, 1990). The results indicated a moderate use of PFS and EFS and mid-to-high use of AOS. The psychological aggression and physical violence, injuries, help-seeking, education level, children, and marriage duration were significantly related to the use of all three strategies. Employment status, age, legal residency, and negotiation skills had no significant relationships with the used CSs. The regression results indicated that children, psychological aggression, and asking for help predicted 49% and 41% of the covariance of using PFS and EFS, respectively, while the number of children, physical violence, and injuries predicted 81% of the covariance of using AOS. The study suggested the importance of supportive social services for women with IPV experiences. The clinical practice implications for helping women who experience IPV and future research were discussed.