Predicting family health and well-being after separation from an abusive partner: role of coercive control, mother's depression and social support

Aims and objectivesDrawing on the Strengthening Capacity to Limit Intrusion theory, we tested whether intrusion (i.e. unwanted interference from coercive control, custody and access difficulties and mother's depressive symptoms) predicted family health and well-being after separation from an abusive partner/father, and whether social support moderated intrusion effects on family health and well-being. BackgroundExperiences of coercive control and the negative consequences related to those experiences have been documented among women who have separated from an abusive partner. DesignWe conducted a secondary analysis of data from 154 adult, Canadian mothers of dependent children who had separated from an abusive partner and who participated in Wave 2 of the Women's Health Effects Study. MethodsWe used hierarchical multiple regression to test whether intrusion predicts family health and well-being as well as whether social support moderated this relationship. ResultsFamilies were found to experience considerable intrusion, yet their health and well-being was similar to population norms. Intrusion predicted 114% of the variance in family health and well-being, with mother's depressive symptoms as the only unique predictor. Social support accounted for an additional 9% of explained variance, but did not buffer intrusion effects on family health and well-being. ConclusionsAlthough women had been separated from their abusive partners for an average of 25years, the majority continued to experience coercive control. On average, levels of social support and family functioning were relatively high, contrary to public and academic discourse. Relevance to clinical practiceIn working with these families postseparation, nurses should approach care from a strength-based perspective, and integrate tailored assessment and intervention options for women and families that address both depression and social support.