Psychological Abuse Also Leaves a Mark: Examining How Types of Domestic Violence Influence PTSD Symptoms

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Abstract

Domestic violence (DV) is a pervasive issue linked to adverse mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While research suggests that physical, sexual, and psychological DV may differentially affect PTSD severity, less is known about how DV types relate to specific PTSD symptom clusters (i.e., re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood/cognition, hyperarousal). Examining these associations may offer more nuance in how specific DV experiences shape posttraumatic stress responses and inform more targeted intervention strategies. Women with histories of residing in a domestic violence shelter (N=65; 58.46% White; Mage=36.23 years, SDage=10.10) were recruited to complete an online survey assessing DV (Composite Abuse Scale Revised–Short Form) and PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5). Composite subscales and symptom clusters were created, and four multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine associations between physical, psychological, and sexual DV severity and PTSD clusters. DV was associated with each symptom cluster at the model level (Fs=3.65-6.93, ps=.001-.018). Psychological DV emerged as a significant predictor of negative alterations in cognition and mood (β=.40, p=.028); no subtype uniquely predicted re-experiencing, avoidance, or hyperarousal symptoms. Results highlight the importance of assessing for psychological abuse. Interventions targeting cognitive and emotional disruptions may be particularly relevant for survivors of psychological DV.

Authors

• Emily J. Lubin, Auburn University

• Hailie R. Suarez-Rivas, Auburn University

• Hannah Bess Sawyer, Auburn University

• Emma Lathan, Auburn University