African American Women’s Readiness to Change Abusive Relationships |
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Authors: | Melanie J Bliss Emma Ogley-Oliver Emily Jackson Sharon Harp Nadine J Kaslow |
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Institution: | (1) Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA;(2) Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA;(3) University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA;(4) Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA, USA;(5) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Grady Health System, Emory University School of Medicine, 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA |
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Abstract: | This study explores 178 low-income, abused African American women’s readiness to change abusive relationships and achieve
safety. We explore stages of change using Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model (TM; Precontemplation, Contemplation,
Action, Preparation, and Maintenance). Results reveal that: for abused women, the stages fall along a continuum (versus discreet
and linear stages); abused women are primarily in the Contemplation stage; and multiple factors (perception of current abuse,
number of children in her home, symptoms of general anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD], substance use, spiritual
well-being, self-esteem, and social support) affect women’s total readiness to change intimate partner violence (IPV). Current
IPV, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and spirituality were positively correlated with readiness to change, and children in
the home and self-esteem were negatively correlated with readiness to change. Multiple regression analysis revealed that PTSD
and spiritual well-being are positive predictors of readiness to change. Findings contribute to the growing body of literature
supporting the TM as applied to IPV. Results are discussed in terms of applicability to interventionists, policy makers, and
community leaders as they consider the plight of abused women and their efforts towards violence-free relationships. |
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Keywords: | IPV Abuse Stages of change Women African– American |
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