Expanding Intimate Partner Violence Research: Investigating Self-esteem and Sex Differences

• In Event: Perceptions of Safety, Self-Esteem, and Self-View for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Abstract

Research on resiliency to victimization has called for further exploration of key protective factors to intimate partner violence (IPV). Resiliency, broadly defined, is an individual’s ability to withstand exposure to risk. One such factor that has been identified in the literature is self-esteem, which, at higher levels, is associated with stronger resiliency. Based on prior research on self-esteem and resiliency, the current study would expect that higher levels of self-esteem will increase the likelihood of proactive responses to experienced IPV. To strengthen the literature on intimate partner violence, this study seeks to include males, a frequently understudied group in this area. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), the current study seeks to understand the relationship between resiliency, measured by an individual’s level of self-esteem, and victim’s responses to intimate partner violence. Understanding not only men’s experiences to IPV, but also the impact of self-esteem, can help guide future efforts to construct prevention policies that strengthen individual levels of self-esteem and encourage destigmatization of male IPV experiences.

Authors

• Lauren Van Blarcum, The University of Texas at Dallas

• Kate Wilds, The University of Texas at Dallas

• Andrew Krajewski, University of Texas at Dallas