The Mediating Effect of Psychological Status on Women's Decision to Disclose Partner Violence

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the study was to investigate the mediating effect of psychological health status on women's decision to disclose their exposure to partner violence. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study was collected from women working in a higher educational institution. Data about partner violence, psychological health, and decision to disclose the violence experience were collected. Path analysis was used to meet the study aim. Results: Major results revealed that women's psychological health status influenced their decision to disclose violence and psychological status worked as a mediating factor between experiences of psychological violence and decision to disclose partner violence. Conclusions: Employment, education, self-esteem, and lack of economic suffering were protective factors against the development of psychological problems in women. Disclosure of violence is considered a coping strategy that prevents progression of more psychological health problems and enables women to continue in their life. It is recommended to enhance women's disclosure of violence which, consequently, enables them to get support and advice. Further, employers need to be encouraged to provide protective tools such as proper security measures to safeguard their employees. Finally, it is recommended to use standardized screening tools as part of the assessment protocol in health care settings.