CORRELATES OF BATTERED WOMENS PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS - SEVERITY OF ABUSE AND DURATION OF THE POSTABUSE PERIOD

Although psychological disturbances among abused women are well docume nted, it is unclear whether such disturbances are a reaction to the ab usive experience. The present study hypothesized that, if the disturba nces are a reactive state, the severity of disturbance would be relate d to the time since the relationship ended as well as the severity of the psychological and physical abuse experienced. Participants were 50 abused women who completed valid MMPI-2s and revised Conflict Tactic Scales. The results indicated that MMPI-2 scores were significantly co rrelated with both types of abuse but not with duration of time since the abusive relationship was terminated. The MMPI-2 profiles of abused women and suggestions for research are discussed.