Space for Action and Mental Health of Women Survivors of Psychological Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

No previous studies have explored how women’s autonomy (space for action) could mediate between psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health. This study explores this issue. Participants were 102 women recruited from specialized formal support services who answered self-reports about the target variables. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the direct and indirect effects of IPV (verbal-emotional violence and domination-isolation) on current psychopathological symptomatology and satisfaction with life considering the mediator effect of space for action. Results indicate that both types of IPV had a direct negative effect on women’s space for action during the relationship. Domination-isolation predicted current space for action directly and positively, which in turn had a negative direct effect on psychopathological symptomatology and positive on satisfaction with life. Finally, both types of IPV showed indirect effects on psychopathology and satisfaction with life through space for action during the relationship and currently.