Intimate partner abuse and mental health - The role of Social Support and other protective factors

Social Support and other protective factors (Education, Employment, Self-Esteem, Health, and Absence of Economic Hardship) were studied in relation to depression, anxiety, and three types of lifetime abuse (recent intimate partner violence and past intimate partner violence, child abuse). A survey of 557 women was conducted as part of a domestic violence screening intervention in primary care. Compared to nonabused women, recently abused women may receive less support from partners but reported comparable levels of support from others. Total protective factors potentially provided a buffer for abused women from developing anxiety and depression but appear less effective at severe levels of lifetime abuse.