Economic, Situational, and Psychological Correlates of the Decision-Making Process of Battered Women

Abstract

The author presents the findings of a descriptive, exploratory study designed to measure the correlates of battered women's decisions to return home to the abuser after termination by a shelter. Data were collected from 426 battered women who sought help from a spouse-abuse shelter located in central Florida. Using exchange theory as a theoretical model, analysis revealed that battered women are likely to return home to the abuser when (1) the annual family income is high, (2) they are unemployed, (3) they have been victims of severe abuse, and (4) they have negative perceptions of themselves. Based on these findings, it was concluded that a woman's decision-making process varies with her perceived level of rewards and costs.