Citation

Greco R, Curci A, Marzano V, Del Vecchio V, Vittorione M. Giorn. Psicolog. J. Psychol. 2008; 2(3): 179-190.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Psicotecnica Edizione)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The principal aim of the present study is to verify how different forms of domestic violence impact on depressive symptoms, eating disorders, substance and alcohol abuse, by the effect of victim's negative emotions and social support. For this purpose, the theoretical model of General Strain Theory (Agnew, 1992) was used. This theory posits that negative relationships with others (strain) are able to produce negative emotions. The inability to cope with strain events and negative emotions may lead the women victims to engage more likely in inner-directed deviant behaviours. Several internal and external factors influence the strain-negative emotions-deviant behaviour relationship. Participants at the present research were 30 battered women attending the Antiviolence Centre Desirée in Bari, matched for age, level of education, and marital status with control group. Results have demonstrated the capacity of General Strain Theory to explain the consequences of domestic violence. Women victims of psychological violence engaged by the partner were more likely to experience negative emotions, to develop depressive symptoms, and eating disorders. Finally, the conditioning role of social support on the relationship among strain, negative emotions, and deviant behaviours, was confirmed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)