The process of ending abuse in intimate relationships - A qualitative exploration of the transtheoretical model

This article explores the suggestion that the transtheoretical model of beh avior change is a promising conceptual framework for understanding how, wom en end abuse iii their intimate relationships. In-depth interviews were con ducted with 78 women who were either currently in or had recently left abus ive relationships. Women talked about the following five stages of behavior change: (a) nonrecognition (precontemplation), (b) acknowledgment (contemp lation), (c) consideration of options (preparation), (d) selection of actio ns (action), and (e) use of safety strategies to remain free from abuse (ma intenance). These results suggest that the model is consistent with how wom en describe surviving their abusive situations, and they have implications for both research mid practice.