Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth in women residing in shelters due to spousal violence

Objective: Violence against women can be defined as any gender-based actual or threatened acts of physical, sexual or financial (intended) harm that force or restrict the lives and freedom of women. The most common form of this violence is seen as inflicted by men with whom women are in relationship. The aim of the current study was to investigate posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth in women residing in shelters due to the violence they experienced from their spouses. For this purpose, it was evaluated whether world assumptions contribute to the prediction of the posttraumatic stress symptoms; and whether world assumptions and posttraumatic stress symptoms contribute to the prediction of posttraumatic growth. Methods: The sample consisted of 122 women, aged between 16-58 years, who were subjected to spousal violence and residing in shelters. The data were collected via the Sociodemographic Information Form, the World Assumptions Scale, the Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Scale and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Results: Stepwise regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Posttraumatic stress symptoms were significantly predicted by the variables of age of marriage and self-esteem; and posttraumatic growth was predicted by benevolence of the world and control assumptions.Discussion: The findings provide some hints that can be useful for mental health professionals working with battered women.