Subtle or covert abuse within intimate partner relationships: a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Criminology

Background:

• Subtle or covert abuse in intimate relationships is frequently mentioned in academic literature but lacks empirical research.
• Therapists may misinterpret the distress of clients experiencing subtle abuse, potentially causing further harm.
• A clear understanding of subtle abuse is needed to inform therapeutic interventions and future research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and define subtle, non-physical abuse within intimate relationships as described in academic literature.
• To identify how subtle or covert abuse is conceptualized in existing scholarly work.
• To provide a foundation for future research and enhance clinical recognition of subtle abuse.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of academic literature published in English from 1950 onwards.
• Inclusion criteria focused on descriptions or definitions of subtle or covert abuse in intimate partner relationships, excluding purely physical or overt non-physical abuse.
• Searches were conducted across multiple databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL, PsycArticles, Scopus) using relevant MeSH terms and keywords.

Main Results:

• The review will extract direct quotes defining or describing subtle/covert abuse.
• Data will include study participants, concept, and context of the abuse.
• Results will be presented both narratively and in a tabular format.

Conclusions:

• This review aims to bridge the gap between academic discourse and clinical practice regarding subtle abuse.
• Findings will equip therapists with better tools to recognize and address subtle forms of domestic violence.
• Informing future research is a key outcome to advance the understanding and treatment of covert abuse.