Elucidating posttraumatic stress symptom profiles and their correlates among women experiencing bidirectional intimate partner violence

J Clin Psychol. 2014 Oct;70(10):1008-21. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22100. Epub 2014 Apr 19.

Abstract

Objective: This study employed latent class analysis to identify profiles of women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) based on the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

Method: Self-report data from a sample of 369 women experiencing bidirectional IPV was used.

Results: A 3-class solution comprising low, moderate, and high PTSD severity profiles best fit the data. Profiles were differentially related to whether IPV victimization was considered traumatic (PTSD criterion A); whether functioning was impaired as a result of PTSD symptoms (PTSD criterion F); whether the woman met full diagnostic criteria for PTSD; depression symptom severity; and severity of psychological, physical, and sexual IPV victimization and use of IPV. An extremely high percentage of women in the high (96%) and moderate (88%) severity classes experienced functional impairment, although many did not meet full diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

Conclusions: Findings support the need for interventions individually tailored to one's treatment needs based on the nature of one's traumatic stressor and the impact of PTSD on daily functioning.

Keywords: PTSD; domestic violence; intimate partner violence; substance use, depression; traumatic stress; women's aggression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Crime Victims / classification*
  • Depression / classification
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spouse Abuse / classification*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / classification*