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01-04-2008 | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

African American Women’s Readiness to Change Abusive Relationships

Authors: Melanie J. Bliss, Emma Ogley-Oliver, Emily Jackson, Sharon Harp, Nadine J. Kaslow

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 3/2008

Abstract

This study explores 178 low-income, abused African American women’s readiness to change abusive relationships and achieve safety. We explore stages of change using Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model (TM; Precontemplation, Contemplation, Action, Preparation, and Maintenance). Results reveal that: for abused women, the stages fall along a continuum (versus discreet and linear stages); abused women are primarily in the Contemplation stage; and multiple factors (perception of current abuse, number of children in her home, symptoms of general anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], substance use, spiritual well-being, self-esteem, and social support) affect women’s total readiness to change intimate partner violence (IPV). Current IPV, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and spirituality were positively correlated with readiness to change, and children in the home and self-esteem were negatively correlated with readiness to change. Multiple regression analysis revealed that PTSD and spiritual well-being are positive predictors of readiness to change. Findings contribute to the growing body of literature supporting the TM as applied to IPV. Results are discussed in terms of applicability to interventionists, policy makers, and community leaders as they consider the plight of abused women and their efforts towards violence-free relationships.

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Title: African American Women’s Readiness to Change Abusive Relationships
Authors: Melanie J. Bliss
Emma Ogley-Oliver
Emily Jackson
Sharon Harp
Nadine J. Kaslow
Publication date: 01-04-2008
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Family Violence / Issue 3/2008
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-007-9138-3

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African American Women’s Readiness to Change Abusive Relationships

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