Self-concept and woman abuse: a rural and cultural perspective

The prevalence of woman abuse has serious community health ramifications because of its associated psychological responses. Theoretical frameworks have described behaviors arising from interpersonal interactions as being affected by self-concept. Therefore, assessing self-concept is critical in research and practice for understanding the behavior of abused women and the effects of self-concept on the physical self. This research arose from clinical practice in a rural Mexican American and non-Hispanic white community. The practice focused on individual and group counseling for women and adolescents in abusive relationships. This study was conducted to refine the theoretical basis for interventions related to self-concept and woman abuse for rural Mexican American and non-Hispanic white women.