Citation

Edwards KM, Murphy MJ, Tansill EC, Myrick C, Probst DR, Corsa R, Gidycz CA. J. Am. Coll. Health 2012; 60(3): 204-210.

Affiliation

a Department of Psychology , University of New Hampshire , Durham , New Hampshire.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2011.586387

PMID

22420697

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the process of leaving an abusive dating relationship utilizing a qualitative design. Methods: Participants included 123 college women in abusive dating relationships who participated at the beginning and end of a 10-week academic quarter. Results: Qualitative content analyses were used to analyze the transcribed responses to an open-ended question about women's leaving processes over the interim period. A variety of categories and themes emerged for women in different stages of the leaving process, consistent with the Transtheoretical Model of Change and Investment Model. Data also underscored women's lack of acknowledgment, minimization, and normalization of abuse. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the importance of dating violence intervention and prevention programming on college campuses and offer information that may be useful to college health providers who assist women in abusive dating relationships.

Language: en