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The Role of Positivity on Depressive Symptoms in Women Seeking Help for Intimate Partner Violence

Author

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  • Eleonora Crapolicchio

    (Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this paper.)

  • Vincenza Cinquegrana

    (Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this paper.)

  • Camillo Regalia

    (Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 20123 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex and pervasive global phenomenon. Despite extensive research on physical and sexual violence, there has been a relative lack of investigation into the detrimental and distinctive consequences of psychological violence against women. This is surprising given the profound impact it has on the psychological well-being of victims, notably in the form of depression, which is commonly observed as an outcome in cases of psychological IPV victimization. The present study analyzes the impact of psychological IPV on depressive symptoms, considering the moderating influence of personal positivity, defined as positive self-perceptions, optimistic life perspectives, and a hopeful view of the future in a sample of 171 Italian women seeking assistance from anti-violence centers in different localities of Italy. The findings show that in line with the hypothesis, the association between psychological violence and depressive symptoms is moderated by the levels of perceived positivity, even when controlling for instances of physical violence. These results and implications for interventions are discussed within the framework of existing literature on positive psychology and psychological well-being in the context of IPV.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleonora Crapolicchio & Vincenza Cinquegrana & Camillo Regalia, 2023. "The Role of Positivity on Depressive Symptoms in Women Seeking Help for Intimate Partner Violence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:22:p:7078-:d:1282814
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. M. Hanssen & L. Vancleef & J. Vlaeyen & A. Hayes & E. Schouten & M. Peters, 2015. "Optimism, Motivational Coping and Well-being: Evidence Supporting the Importance of Flexible Goal Adjustment," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(6), pages 1525-1537, December.
    2. Karen M Devries & Joelle Y Mak & Loraine J Bacchus & Jennifer C Child & Gail Falder & Max Petzold & Jill Astbury & Charlotte H Watts, 2013. "Intimate Partner Violence and Incident Depressive Symptoms and Suicide Attempts: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(5), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Coker, A.L. & Smith, P.H. & McKeown, R.E. & King, M.J., 2000. "Frequency and correlates of intimate partner violence by type: Physical, sexual, and psychological battering," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 90(4), pages 553-559.
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