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Lausi G, Cricenti C, Mari E, Burrai J, Quaglieri A, Giannini AM, Barchielli B. An explorative study on consequences of abuse on psychological wellbeing and cognitive outcomes in victims of gender-based violence. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1367489. [PMID: 39100559 PMCID: PMC11294214 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1367489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The issue of gender-based violence has been a public health problem for years. Considering its systemic nature, the possible consequences at the individual level on the psychological and cognitive wellbeing of victims have been examined. The present research aims to explore the differences in the various types and forms of violence. Methods A non-probability and convenience sample was used; a total of 83 participants joined the research. Inclusion criteria were minimum age of 18 years, female gender, and knowledge of the Italian language. Two non-parametric One-Way ANOVAs (Kruskal-Wallis) were performed according to the type of violence experienced and the type of self-reported abuse (i.e., no victimization, single victimization, complex victimization). Results and discussion Results showed that victims of violence scored higher overall than non-victims on all subscales of the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale. Analyses among the three groups-no violence, single violence, and complex violence-showed no differences in any of the dimensions between those who experienced single and complex violence, while differences emerged between the "no victimization" group and the other groups. The results were discussed in relation to the existing literature on the topic, highlighting the limitations and future applications of the collected data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lausi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Mari
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Burrai
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Ma N, Chen S, Kong Y, Chen Z, Geldsetzer P, Zeng H, Wu L, Wehrmeister FC, Lu C, Subramanian SV, Song Y, Li Z. Prevalence and changes of intimate partner violence against women aged 15 to 49 years in 53 low-income and middle-income countries from 2000 to 2021: a secondary analysis of population-based surveys. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1863-e1873. [PMID: 37973337 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00417-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), intimate partner violence poses a substantial barrier to accomplishing target 5.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals: to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and changes of intimate partner violence against women in LMICs. We also explored the association between women's empowerment and intimate partner violence. METHODS In this secondary analysis of population-based surveys, we obtained data from the nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in LMICs between 2000 and 2021. We selected countries with available data on the domestic violence module, and women aged 15 to 49 years who currently or formerly had a husband or partner, and who had provided information about intimate partner violence, were included in the analysis. We first estimated the weighted prevalence of intimate partner violence in LMICs with available data, and then we assessed the average annual rate of change using Poisson regression with robust error variance in a subset of countries with at least two surveys. We used multilevel analysis to investigate the association between intimate partner violence and women's empowerment measured at both the country and individual levels. Country-level empowerment was measured by gender inequality index, while individual-level empowerment considered social independence, decision making, and attitude to violence. FINDINGS A total of 359 479 women aged 15 to 49 years were included from 53 LMICs. 336 811 women from 21 countries with two surveys provided data for assessing the trends of intimate partner violence. The weighted prevalence of any type of intimate partner violence was 37·2% (95% CI 36·6 to 37·8). A significant overall decline in the prevalence of any type of intimate partner violence was observed with an average annual rate of change of -0·2% (95% CI -0·4 to -0·03); however six countries showed significant increasing trends, with average annual rates of change ranging from 1·2% (95% CI 0·7 to 1·7) in Nigeria to 6·6% (5·3 to 7·8) in Sierra Leone. Notably, the prevalence of psychological intimate partner violence has risen (average annual rate of change, 2·3% [95% CI 2·1 to 2·6]), reflected in increased rates across eight countries. Higher levels of country-level women's empowerment were associated with a lower risk of intimate partner violence: women from countries with the highest tertile of gender inequality index had an increased odds of any type of intimate partner violence (odds ratio 1·58 [95% CI 1·12 to 2·23]). Similarly, better individual-level women's empowerment also showed significant associations with a lower risk of intimate partner violence. INTERPRETATION The prevalence of intimate partner violence remains high, and some countries have shown an increasing trend. The strong relationship between both country-level and individual-level women's empowerment and the prevalence of intimate partner violence suggests that accelerating women's empowerment could be one strategy to further reduce intimate partner violence against women. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation; Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University; and Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ma
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoru Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhao Kong
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zekun Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub- San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Huatang Zeng
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Liqun Wu
- Shenzhen Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fernando C Wehrmeister
- International Center for Equity in Health, Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Chunling Lu
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S V Subramanian
- Harvard Center for Population & Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Song
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhihui Li
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Portnoy GA, Relyea MR, Presseau C, Orazietti SA, Bruce LE, Brandt CA, Martino S. Screening for Intimate Partner Violence Experience and Use in the Veterans Health Administration. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2337685. [PMID: 37831451 PMCID: PMC10576210 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.37685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The practice of screening women for intimate partner violence (IPV) in health care settings has been a critical part of responding to this major public health problem. Yet, IPV prevention would be enhanced with detection efforts that extend beyond screening for IPV experiences to identifying those who use violence in relationships as well. Objective To determine rates of IPV experiences and use (ie, among perpetrators of IPV) and factors associated with disclosures among adult patients seeking mental health services at the Veterans Health Administration. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used electronic medical record data drawn from a quality improvement initiative at 5 Veterans Health Administration medical centers conducted between November 2021 and February 2022 to examine IPV disclosures following concurrent screening for IPV experience and use. Participants included patients engaged in mental health services. Data were analyzed in April and May 2023. Exposure Mental health clinicians were trained to screen for IPV experience and use concurrently and instructed to screen all patients encountered through routine mental health care visits during a 3-month period. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes of interest were past-year prevalence of IPV use and experience, sociodemographic characteristics, and clinical diagnoses among screened patients. Results A total of 200 patients were offered IPV screening. Of 155 participants (mean [SD] age, 52.45 [15.65] years; 124 [80.0%] men) with completed screenings, 74 (47.7%) denied past-year IPV experience and use, 76 (49.0%) endorsed past-year IPV experience, and 72 (46.4%) endorsed past-year IPV use, including 67 participants (43.2%) who reported IPV experience and use concurrently; only 9 participants (5.8%) endorsed unidirectional IPV experiences and 5 participants (3.2%) endorsed unidirectional IPV use. Patients who reported past-year IPV experience and use were younger than those who denied IPV (experience: mean difference, -7.34 [95% CI, 2.51-12.17] years; use: mean difference, -7.20 [95% CI, 2.40-12.00] years). Patients with a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis were more likely to report IPV use (43 patients [59.7%]) than those without a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis (29 patients [40.3%]; odds ratio, 2.14; [95% CI, 1.12-4.06]). No other demographic characteristics or clinical diagnoses were associated with IPV use or experience. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of IPV rates and associated factors, screening for IPV found high rates of both IPV experience and use among patients receiving mental health care. These findings highlight the benefit of screening for IPV experience and use concurrently across gender and age. Additionally, the associations found between PTSD and IPV use underscore the importance of strengthening and developing additional targeted treatment for IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina A. Portnoy
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mark R. Relyea
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Candice Presseau
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - LeAnn E. Bruce
- Veterans Healthcare Administration Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program, Washington, District of Columbia
- Western Kentucky University School of Social Work, Bowling Green
| | - Cynthia A. Brandt
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Steve Martino
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Lausi G, Burrai J, Baldi M, Ferlazzo F, Ferracuti S, Giannini AM, Barchielli B. Decision-Making and Abuse, What Relationship in Victims of Violence? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105879. [PMID: 37239605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Gender-Based violence is a worldwide persisting phenomenon: during their lifetime, 30% of women have experienced sexual and/or physical violence. The literature has investigated for several years the association between abuse and possible psychiatric and psychological consequences which may occur even after many years. The most common consequences involve mood and stress disorders (e.g., depression and PTSD). These disorders seem to have secondary long-term effects, such as decision-making and cognitive function impairments. Therefore, the present literature synthesis aimed to investigate whether and how the decision-making capacities of individuals experiencing violence can change because of abuse. We conducted a thematic synthesis using PRISMA guidelines: through a double-blind procedure, 4599 studies were screened; a total of 46 studies were selected for full-text reading, which was reduced to 13 by excluding papers with a wrong focus. To better understand the results of the thematic synthesis, two main focuses have been identified: "leave or stay decision making" and "multifactorial dimensions of decision making". Results showed that decision-making is an important process in avoiding secondary victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lausi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Burrai
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Baldi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Hava D, Solomon Z, Dekel R. Predicting Depression Among Spouses of Ex-POWs: The Contribution of Exposure to Violence, Trauma, and Stress Through the Life Cycle. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:4832-4851. [PMID: 36062821 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221119523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The current longitudinal study focused on predicting depression among spouses of former Israeli war veterans (combat veterans or ex-prisoners of war [ex-POWs]). The research examined the direct and moderating role of secondary trauma related to their husbands' war-related experiences, stress related to being exposed to intimate partner violence in their relationship, being a second-generation Holocaust (SGH) survivor, and the effects of additional stressful life events (SLEs) since the end of the war. Wives of ex-POWs and combat veterans (N = 129) participated in two time measurements. Spouses of ex-POWs were found to be at higher risk of depression and psychological violence. Psychological violence was a risk factor for depression. The three-way interaction among psychological violence, being a SGH survivor, and experiencing SLEs was significant. In addition, experiencing earlier stressful events had a protective effect. The findings suggest that the association between early exposure and additive exposure through life is a complex iteration of factors and does not necessarily follow the vulnerability perspective.
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Clemente-Teixeira M, Magalhães T, Barrocas J, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Taveira-Gomes T. Health Outcomes in Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A 20-Year Real-World Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:17035. [PMID: 36554916 PMCID: PMC9779804 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192417035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence is characterized by violent actions against a person perpetrated by his or her former or current partner, regardless of cohabitation. It most frequently affects women, and one of its most relevant outcomes is the health problems associated with the experience of repeated violence. Thus, the main objective of this study is to analyse the prevalence of health problems among women for whom there was a medical suspicion of being victims of intimate partner violence. The specific objectives are to analyse the prevalence of (a) health risk behaviours; (b) traumatic injuries and intoxications; (c) mental health conditions; and (d) somatic diseases. We conducted a real-world, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional and multicentric study based on secondary data analyses of electronic health records and health care register data in patients of the Local Healthcare Unit of Matosinhos (between 2001 and 2021). The identified data were extracted from electronic health records corresponding to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Safe Harbor Standard. Information was obtained considering the International Classification of Diseases, the International Classification of Primary Care, and the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System, as well as clinical notes (according to previously defined keywords). Considering all information sources, 1676 cases were obtained. This number means that just 2% of the women observed at this health care unit were suspected of being victims of intimate partner violence, which is far from the known statistics. However, we found much higher rates of all health risk behaviours, trauma and intoxication cases, mental health conditions, and somatic disorders we looked for, when compared to the general population. Early detection of these cases is mandatory to prevent or minimize their related health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clemente-Teixeira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Magalhães
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- MTG Research and Development Lab, 4200-604 Porto, Portugal
- TOXRUN–Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, Advanced Polytechnic and University Cooperative (CESPU), CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Joana Barrocas
- USF Caravela, Local Healthcare Unit of Matosinhos, Lagoa Street, 4460-352 Senhora da Hora, Portugal
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- MTG Research and Development Lab, 4200-604 Porto, Portugal
- TOXRUN–Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, Advanced Polytechnic and University Cooperative (CESPU), CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago Taveira-Gomes
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- MTG Research and Development Lab, 4200-604 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Decision in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa (FCS-UFP), 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
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“You don’t notice it, it’s like boiling water”: Identifying psychological abuse within intimate partner relationships and how it develops across a domestic homicide timeline. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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8
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Hollis F, Pope BS, Gorman-Sandler E, Wood SK. Neuroinflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Link Social Stress to Depression. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 54:59-93. [PMID: 35184261 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a debilitating mental illness and a leading cause of global disease burden. While many etiological factors have been identified, social stress is a highly prevalent causative factor for the onset of depression. Unfortunately, rates of depression continue to increase around the world, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this mental health crisis. Though several therapeutic strategies are available, nearly 50% of patients who receive treatment never reach remission. The exact mechanisms by which social stress exposure promotes the development of depression are unclear, making it challenging to develop novel and more effective therapeutics. However, accumulating evidence points to a role for stress-induced neuroinflammation, particularly in treatment-resistant patients. Moreover, recent evidence has expanded the concept of the pathogenesis of depression to mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that the combined effects of social stress on mitochondria and inflammation may synergize to facilitate stress-related depression. In this chapter, we review evidence for neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of social stress-induced depression and discuss these in the context of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Hollis
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Brittany S Pope
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Erin Gorman-Sandler
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA.
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9
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Lausi G, Barchielli B, Burrai J, Giannini AM, Cricenti C. Italian Validation of the Scale of Psychological Abuse in Intimate Partner Violence (EAPA-P). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312717. [PMID: 34886443 PMCID: PMC8657216 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychological and emotional forms of violence often represent a danger alarm and an important risk factor for other forms of intimate partner violence (IPV). Measuring psychological violence raises several issues of conceptualization and definition, which lead to the development of several assessment instruments; among them, the Scale of Psychological Abuse in Intimate Partner Violence (EAPA-P) showed good psychometric proprieties in a Spanish population and is used to identify which strategies are acted out to engage in psychological violence. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of EAPA-P among a group of Italian-speaking women (N = 343), thus evaluating its psychometric characteristics. Based on the English translation of the original Spanish version, an 11-item form of the EAPA-P was obtained, validity has been assessed through measures of emotion dysregulation, interpersonal guilt, conflict among partners and depression, anxiety, and stress symptomatology. Moreover, differences among groups were conducted to identify the capacity of the Italian version of EAPA-P to discriminate among women reporting experiencing psychological violence (N = 179), and who don't (N = 150). Results showed an excellent internal validity, good correlations, and a good discriminatory ability of the scale. Strengths, limitations, and practical implications of the study have been discussed according to recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lausi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 00185 Rome, Italy; (J.B.); (A.M.G.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-49917534
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Jessica Burrai
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 00185 Rome, Italy; (J.B.); (A.M.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 00185 Rome, Italy; (J.B.); (A.M.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Clarissa Cricenti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 00185 Rome, Italy; (J.B.); (A.M.G.); (C.C.)
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Esquivel-Santoveña EE, Rodríguez-Hernández R, Gutiérrez-Vega M, Castillo-Viveros N, López-Orozco F. Psychological Aggression, Attitudes About Violence, Violent Socialization, and Dominance in Dating Relationships. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP8373-NP8394. [PMID: 30982385 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519842856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Psychological aggression is a widespread form of abuse in dating relationships, especially in collectivist societies with ties to patriarchal beliefs. Despite the prevalence of psychological aggression, it has seldom been studied in connection with known antecedents of interpersonal violence, including dominance, attitudes supportive of violence, and violence socialization processes during childhood. The present study sought to test relationships among these variables in young men and women. A total of 500 Mexican undergraduate students in northern Mexico reported on their experiences with psychological aggression, the dominance of a dating partner, and violent socialization during childhood, as well as on their approval of violence within and outside the family. The results indicate that the dominance of a dating partner is directly linked to male and female intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Violent socialization and proviolent attitudes appear to be related to female dominance. Female and male psychological aggression victimization was predicted by the participant's own perpetration. In general, a dyadic approach appears to be useful for explaining psychological aggression perpetration and victimization in a collectivist society, in light of recent changes in normative beliefs held by young educated Mexicans. Implications for future research and public policy are discussed.
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Abreu L, Koebach A, Díaz O, Carleial S, Hoeffler A, Stojetz W, Freudenreich H, Justino P, Brück T. Life With Corona: Increased Gender Differences in Aggression and Depression Symptoms Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Burden in Germany. Front Psychol 2021; 12:689396. [PMID: 34385959 PMCID: PMC8353131 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.689396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender differences (GD) in mental health have come under renewed scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic. While rapidly emerging evidence indicates a deterioration of mental health in general, it remains unknown whether the pandemic will have an impact on GD in mental health. To this end, we investigate the association of the pandemic and its countermeasures affecting everyday life, labor, and households with changes in GD in aggression, anxiety, depression, and the somatic symptom burden. We analyze cross-sectional data from 10,979 individuals who live in Germany and who responded to the online survey "Life with Corona" between October 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. We estimate interaction effects from generalized linear models. The analyses reveal no pre-existing GD in aggression but exposure to COVID-19 and COVID-19 countermeasures is associated with sharper increases in aggression in men than in women. GD in anxiety decreased among participants with children in the household (with men becoming more anxious). We also observe pre-existing and increasing GD with regards to the severity of depression, with women presenting a larger increase in symptoms during the hard lockdown or with increasing stringency. In contrast to anxiety, GD in depression increased among participants who lived without children (women > men), but decreased for individuals who lived with children; here, men converged to the levels of depression presented by women. Finally, GD in somatic symptoms decreased during the hard lockdown (but not with higher stringency), with men showing a sharper increase in symptoms, especially when they lived with children or alone. Taken together, the findings indicate an increase in GD in mental health as the pandemic unfolded in Germany, with rising female vulnerability to depression and increasing male aggression. The combination of these two trends further suggests a worrying mental health situation for singles and families. Our results have important policy implications for the German health system and public health policy. This public health challenge requires addressing the rising burden of pandemic-related mental health challenges and the distribution of this burden between women and men, within families and for individuals who live alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Abreu
- Development Research Group, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anke Koebach
- Development Research Group, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Oscar Díaz
- ISDC – International Security and Development Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Samuel Carleial
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anke Hoeffler
- Development Research Group, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Stojetz
- ISDC – International Security and Development Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hanna Freudenreich
- Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Großbeeren, Germany
| | - Patricia Justino
- World Institute for Development Economic Research, United Nations University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tilman Brück
- ISDC – International Security and Development Center, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Großbeeren, Germany
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom
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Ramos B, Teixeira F, Começanha R, Maia Â. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Identity Transformation After Experiences of Psychological Abuse: A Mixed-Methods Approach. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2020; 35:724-740. [PMID: 33060253 DOI: 10.1891/vv-d-19-00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Psychological abuse (PA) is being associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few studies have focused exclusively in this type of abuse. This study aimed to examine the relationship between PA and PTSD symptoms according to gender and understand the impact of severe PA in identity transformation, in a Portuguese university sample. Using a mixed-methods approach, 158 students answered an e-survey containing closed and open-ended questions. Results indicated a positive correlation between PA and PTSD symptoms. Women were significantly different from men concerning PA, contrarily to PTSD symptoms that did not present significant gender differences. The qualitative analysis revealed two different forms of adjustment, in both genders: positive-indicating personal growth-and negative changes-impacting relationships and emotional states. The more negative changes were described, the more PTSD symptoms were presented, regardless gender. Raising awareness can help young recognize themselves as victims and prevent the development of detrimental mental health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Ramos
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Filipa Teixeira
- EPI Unit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rita Começanha
- School of Psychology, University of Minho; Health Unit, Social Services of University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângela Maia
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Portugal
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Millon EM, Chang HYM, Shors TJ. Stressful Life Memories Relate to Ruminative Thoughts in Women With Sexual Violence History, Irrespective of PTSD. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:311. [PMID: 30233419 PMCID: PMC6134204 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
More than one in every four women in the world experience sexual violence (SV) in their lifetime, most often as teenagers and young adults. These traumatic experiences leave memories in the brain, which are difficult if not impossible to forget. We asked whether women with SV history experience stronger memories of their most stressful life event than women without SV history and if so, whether strength relates to ruminative and trauma-related thoughts. Using the Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire (AMQ), women with SV history (n = 64) reported this memory as especially strong (p < 0.001), remembering more sensory and contextual details, compared to women without SV history (n = 119). They further considered the event a significant part of their personal life story. The strength of the memory was highly correlated with posttraumatic cognitions and ruminative thoughts, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety (p's < 0.001, n = 183). A third (33%) of the women with SV history were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but PTSD alone did not account for the increase in memory strength (p's < 0.001). These data suggest that the experience of SV increases the strength of stressful autobiographical memories, which are then reexperienced in everyday life during posttraumatic and ruminative thoughts. We propose that the repeated rehearsal of vivid stressful life memories generates more trauma memories in the brain, making the experience of SV even more difficult to forget.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tracey J. Shors
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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