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Does powerlessness explain the relationship between intimate partner violence and depression?
Jennifer Filson1, Emilio Ulloa, Cristin Runfola
1San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4611, USA. fils0007@umn.edu
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|June 3, 2009
Summary
Relationship power significantly mediates the link between intimate partner violence and depression in young women. Empowering women can help prevent dating violence and reduce depression rates.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue.
- IPV is strongly associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression.
- The role of relationship power dynamics in IPV and depression requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine relationship power as a mediator between intimate partner violence (IPV) and depression.
- To test a mediation model grounded in gender and power theory.
Main Methods:
- Survey data were collected from 327 single undergraduate women.
- Statistical analyses, including mediation analysis, were employed to test the proposed model.
Main Results:
- Women reporting lower relationship power experienced higher rates of IPV victimization.
- Lower relationship power was associated with increased depression symptoms.
- Sexual relationship power significantly mediated the relationship between IPV and depression.
Conclusions:
- Relationship power is a key factor explaining the association between IPV and depression.
- Interventions promoting empowerment may reduce IPV victimization and subsequent depression among young women.
- Future prevention strategies should consider an empowerment approach to address dating violence.
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