The concept of "abuse": content analysis of interpretations

Abstract

This article presents the results of a content analysis of the concept of "abuse" in order to formulate a definition that takes into account the variety of interpretations of this phenomenon in the scientific literature. The subject of the study is abuse, as a negative trend in the relations of initially equal parties leads to the destruction of the personalities of its subjects, namely, the implementation of the "aggressor-victim" role model, in which there is violence (psychological or physical) from one partner to another. The detrimental effect of the development of this phenomenon on the passive side and its destructive impact on society significantly increases the importance of understanding and interpreting this phenomenon. In addition, abusive relationships often have a cyclical nature, which makes them even more destructive. The authors chose qualitative content analysis as the main method, which allows us to identify the essential features of the concept. The sample of the study consisted of 70 scientific publications (domestic and foreign) containing characteristics of the phenomenon under study. So, the study was conducted in several stages. The first one analyzes the publication activity on this topic, the second one analyzes the interpretation of the term "abuse" in domestic sources, and the third one — in foreign literature. According to the results of the analysis, we can note that in domestic sources "abuse" is defined more specifically than in foreign ones. Since for the latter, this concept is more often considered in the same plane (that is, it is applicable only in the relationship of a couple). In this regard, the characteristics given in the materials of the former can be applied more widely. Interestingly, the latter focus on the existence of such a feature as persecution, which is not mentioned in domestic sources.