The prevalence and factors influencing posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) among help-seeking women experiencing domestic violencein Malaysia
- Author:
Normah Che Din
;
Soo Siew Bee
;
Ponnusamy Subramaniam
;
Ng Lai Oon
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Domestic violence, negative appraisal, social support, coping styles, PTSD
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2010;11(2):158-170
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: The aim of the study is to examine the prevalence and factors influencing PTSD among a sample of help-seeking women experiencing
domestic violence. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study of 40 women in two shelters in Malaysia from 2007 to 2008. Measures include the
Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress; the Measure of Wife Abuse; the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory; the Coping Scale for Adults; and the Provision of Social Relations. Results: Results showed that 60% of subjects
exhibited patterns of symptoms consistent with the diagnosis of PTSD. The most prominent posttraumatic symptoms reported were re-experience, avoidance, dissociative responses, and symptoms of increased arousal. Both negative appraisals about themselves and self blame for the abusive situations were positively associated with increased tendency to develop PTSD. The greater use of optimism coping style and the higher quality social
support appeared to lead to a significantly reduced tendency of developing PTSD. Negative appraisals about themselves were found to be the strongest
positive predictor of PTSD [R² = 0.32, F(1,38)=17.67, p<0.001]. However, type of intensity of abuse did not indicate any significant relationship with
PTSD. The findings highlighted the need for service providers to screen and educate survivors of domestic violence with respect to PTSD. The study also
emphasized the importance of negative appraisals as a factor that contribute to the maintenance or persistence of PTSD. Conclusion: The current findings
suggest that service providers should continue to assist the survivors in developing positive coping skills and improve their social support networks.
Cognitive-behavioural treatment approaches seem to be particularly relevant for the cognitive distortions commonly presence in survivors of domestic
Keywords: Domestic violence, negative appraisal, social support, coping styles, PTSD violence.