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Brain injury in battered women
Eve M Valera1, Howard Berenbaum
1Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA. eve_valera@hms.harvard.edu
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|August 20, 2003
Summary
Battered women frequently sustain partner-related brain injuries, which are linked to abuse severity and negative impacts on cognitive function and mental health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Domestic violence is a pervasive issue with significant health consequences.
- The neurological and psychological sequelae of intimate partner violence (IPV) are not fully understood.
- Brain injury is a potential, yet underrecognized, consequence of IPV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of partner-related brain injuries in battered women.
- To investigate the association between brain injury severity and partner abuse severity.
- To examine the relationship between brain injury and cognitive functioning and psychopathology in battered women.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-nine battered women (shelter and non-shelter) were recruited.
- Participants completed neuropsychological tests, psychopathology assessments, and abuse history measures.
- Brain injury was assessed based on self-report of partner-related trauma.
Main Results:
- Nearly 75% of women reported at least one partner-related brain injury; 50% reported multiple.
- Brain injury severity negatively correlated with memory, learning, and cognitive flexibility.
- Brain injury severity positively correlated with partner abuse severity, general distress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Partner-related brain injuries are highly prevalent among battered women.
- Brain injuries sustained from abuse are associated with impaired cognitive function.
- These injuries are linked to increased psychological distress and psychopathology, including PTSD.