Abstract
Background: Intimate partner abuse can disrupt one’s basic core of dignity, self-respect, confidence, and motivation. Abused women can go through life in a tangled web of control and abuse that their partner dictates. Posttraumatic growth after abuse may lead to positive psychological changes because of this highly stressful experience.
Theoretical Framework: The posttraumatic growth framework of Tedeschi and Calhoun guided this study.
Purpose: To describe the experiences of women who have endured intimate partner abuse and the domains of posttraumatic growth.
Methods: Interviews with 14 women who self-reported intimate partner abuse using a semi-structured interview guide derived from the posttraumatic growth framework.
Results: Five themes emerged from data analysis: 1) Acknowledging the abusive relationship, 2) Fear of him, 3) Accepting support, 4) Rediscovering myself, and 5) Appreciating life and helping others.
Conclusions & Implications: Participants reported having elements of posttraumatic growth in their lives. Many credited their growth to their support system, belief in God, and dedicated healthcare professionals. Nurses and related professionals must be aware of the possibility of posttraumatic growth to help with the healing process. Clinicians need to be advocates for these trauma survivors and support their personal development through active listening. The evolution of posttraumatic growth is individual with no specific timeline. Future research is needed to identify definitive assessment, intervention, and support strategies to end the cycle of abuse.
Notes
References:
D’Amore, C., Martin, S.L., Wood, K., & Brooks, C. (2021). Themes of healing and posttraumatic growth in women survivors narratives of intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence,36 (5-6), NP2697-NP2724. https://doi.org/10.1177/088626051876909PMID:29642769
Doyle, K.M., Knetig, J.A. & Iverson, K.W. (2022). Practical implications of research on intimate partner violence experiences for the mental health clinician. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 9, 280-300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-022-00270-6
Gonzalez-Mendez, R. & Hamby, S. (2020). Identifying women’s strengths for promoting resilience after experiencing intimate partner violence. Violence & Victims, 36(1), 29-44.
Sundborg, E., Tornkvist, L., Saleh-Stattin, N., Wandell, P., & Hylander, I. (2017). To ask, or not to ask: The hesitation process described by district nurses encountering women exposed to intimate partner violence. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26, (15-16), 2256-2265. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.12992 PMID:26419327
Tedeschi, R.G. & Moore, B.A. (2020). Transformed by Trauma: Stories of posttraumatic growth. Boulder Crest, 2020.
Sigma Membership
Alpha Tau, Mu Epsilon, Kappa Alpha
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Stress and Coping, Primary Care, Theory, Intimate Partner Abuse, Lived Experiences
Recommended Citation
Doherty, Mary Ellen and Scannell, Elizabeth Ann, "Women’s Experiences of Posttraumatic Growth After Intimate Partner Abuse" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 50.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/50
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Women’s Experiences of Posttraumatic Growth After Intimate Partner Abuse
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Intimate partner abuse can disrupt one’s basic core of dignity, self-respect, confidence, and motivation. Abused women can go through life in a tangled web of control and abuse that their partner dictates. Posttraumatic growth after abuse may lead to positive psychological changes because of this highly stressful experience.
Theoretical Framework: The posttraumatic growth framework of Tedeschi and Calhoun guided this study.
Purpose: To describe the experiences of women who have endured intimate partner abuse and the domains of posttraumatic growth.
Methods: Interviews with 14 women who self-reported intimate partner abuse using a semi-structured interview guide derived from the posttraumatic growth framework.
Results: Five themes emerged from data analysis: 1) Acknowledging the abusive relationship, 2) Fear of him, 3) Accepting support, 4) Rediscovering myself, and 5) Appreciating life and helping others.
Conclusions & Implications: Participants reported having elements of posttraumatic growth in their lives. Many credited their growth to their support system, belief in God, and dedicated healthcare professionals. Nurses and related professionals must be aware of the possibility of posttraumatic growth to help with the healing process. Clinicians need to be advocates for these trauma survivors and support their personal development through active listening. The evolution of posttraumatic growth is individual with no specific timeline. Future research is needed to identify definitive assessment, intervention, and support strategies to end the cycle of abuse.
Description
Intimate partner abuse is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for women of childbearing age. Survivors report long-term physical and psychological effects. Attendees will learn about posttraumatic growth theory concerning abused women.