A Qualitative Analysis of College Women's Leaving Processes in Abusive Relationships
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.
Department
Psychology, Prevention Innovations Research Center Pubs
Publication Date
4-2012
Journal Title
Journal of American College Health
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1080/07448481.2011.586387
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Edwards, K. M., Murphy, M. J., Tansill, E. C., Myrick, C. A., Probst, D. R., Corsa, R., & Gidycz, C. A. (2012). A qualitative analysis of college women’s leaving processes in abusive relationships. Journal of American College Health, 60, 204-210.