The impact of interpersonal violence in adulthood on women's job satisfaction and productivity: The mediating roles of mental and physical health

Abstract

Objective: With growing awareness of the prevalence of interpersonal violence victimization among women, research has begun to examine the impact of these experiences on employment. To date, much of this work in the United States has centered on low-income women moving from public assistance to paid employment and research gaps in our understanding of a broader range of working women's experiences still exist. The present study explored the impact of multiple types of victimization (sexual violence, physical intimate partner violence, psychological abuse, and stalking) on a range of work outcomes (job satisfaction, job benefits, job interference). Method: A random-digit-dial telephone survey of 1,079 women living in New Hampshire was conducted. Measures included questions about victimization in adulthood and current perceptions of employment. Results: A multivariate analysis of variance and regression analyses showed clear links between victimization experiences and negative work outcomes. Mental and physical health symptoms represent important mediators explaining these links. Conclusion: Results support the need for workplace policies and supports that provide safety nets for survivors and encourages the development of community norms that assist survivors in accessing such supports.

Department

Psychology, Prevention Innovations Research Center

Publication Date

1-2011

Journal Title

Psychology of Violence

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1037/a0021691

Document Type

Article

Rights

© 2011 American Psychological Association.

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