Psychological Well-being Of Victims Research Articles

Violence in the Family of Origin, Mentalization, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social issue that has impact on the physical and psychological well-being of victims. Exploring the mechanisms that intervene in the intergenerational transmission of violence from family of origin (VFO) to couple relationships can provide theoretical and clinical data. Drawing on the attachment theory and Fonagy’s mentalizing model, this article aims to explore the relationship between VFO and IPV perpetration and the mediating role of mentalization. A total of 531 Italian participants who were in a relationship (68.7% females; mean age = 28.1, standard deviation = 9.0) participated anonymously in the study by completing an online questionnaire. A direct association emerged between VFO and mentalization and between VFO and IPV. Furthermore, mentalization demonstrated a direct association with IPV. An indirect effect was also found between VFO and IPV with the mediation of mentalization. However, the indirect effect of VFO on IPV through mentalization was significant only in relation to psychological IPV, whereas it was not supported in relation to physical and sexual IPV. Although further research is needed across different populations, forms, and typologies of IPV, the preliminary results found the role of mentalization in psychological IPV, providing theoretical and clinical insights.

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

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.

Depressive Symptoms of Homophobic Bullying Victims among LGB Adolescents in the Chinese Mainland A Case Study Analysis

In recent years, depression has become more common among younger age groups in the Chinese Mainland. However, only a small amount of study has examined the prevalence of depression among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents, and little is known about how prejudice events such as homophobic bullying may impact this groups rates of depression. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms following experiences of bullying victimization among LGB adolescents. A case study analysis was performed using secondary sources from online surveys conducted by Common Language, Beijing LGBT Center, and international literature in sociology, psychology, and public health. The study demonstrated that victims of homophobic bullying frequently encounter issues with depressive symptoms. The psychological well-being of victims is greatly affected by challenges including an absence of social support, internalized homophobia, perceived discrimination, and hostile school climates. The resilience framework can offer insights on how to improve their mental health by using effective strategies for coping and intervention programs to address the issue.

Assistance in Underage Abuse Case at Klaten Police

The abuse of minors is a serious crime that violates children's rights and has long-term impacts on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of victims. Legal protection for children who are victims of abuse requires an approach that focuses on protecting children and their recovery. This study aims to explore the practice of accompanying cases of sexual abuse of minors at the Klaten Police Department and to analyze the effectiveness of assistance in the criminal justice system. The research method used is an advocacy method with a focus on legal assistance. Assistance is carried out during the examination process, from consultation to assistance in making reports to the police. This research is expected to contribute to the development of policies and practices for better assistance in cases of sexual abuse of minors.

Childhood Adversity as a predictor of Depression and Suicidality among Adolescents in Calabar, Nigeria

Background Child abuse occurs worldwide and negatively impacts the health, functioning and psychological wellbeing of victims. Its effect on adolescent mental health has been insufficiently explored in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of child abuse on the occurrence of depression and suicidality among Nigerian adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 secondary school students in Calabar, Nigeria. Beck’s depression inventory, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (SF) assessing emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect, and questions on suicidality from the Nigerian version of the Global School-based Student health survey (GSHS) were administered. Results Sexual abuse (41.3%) was the commonest type, followed by physical neglect (38.5%) and physical abuse (30.0%). Over two-thirds (67.3%) had experienced at least one type of abuse. All types of abuse emerged as significant predictors of depression, with physical abuse being the strongest predictor. Also, all abuse types predicted various self-harming behaviours (considering, planning or attempting suicide and deliberate self-harm). There was a stepwise increase in the risk of depression and suicidal behaviour with the experience of more abuse types. All dimensions of abuse were significantly correlated, with the strongest association between physical and emotional neglect. Conclusion Child abuse predicts depression and suicidality and is worse with multiple types of abuse. Public health interventions to prevent childhood trauma and screen for mental disorders in victims should be instituted in Nigeria.

Medical accidents: A Socratic resolution?

Whilst medical accidents and adverse events clearly have to be the subject of response and redress for individuals who have suffered injury, the current approach to such accidents and events has developed in a piecemeal way. We argue that the various processes involved in such response and redress are outmoded and there is a lack of a clear overview, in particular in terms of promoting better clinical management and less psychological impact on the victim. The current effect of clinical negligence litigation produces adverse outcomes in terms of a patient's safety and the psychological wellbeing of victims. The time has come for an overall approach to be considered, which we suggest should be holistic and which would result in positive outcomes for the NHS and its patients.

An exploration of violence against paramedics, burnout and post-traumatic symptoms in two Australian ambulance services

PurposeViolence directed at ambulance paramedics has attracted increasing public attention because of its major negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of victims and productivity of organisations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of violent incidents, contributing factors, burnout and post-traumatic symptoms among paramedics.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was distributed in two ambulance services in Tasmania and South Australia, with self-administered instruments completed online. In total, 48 respondents completed questionnaires.FindingsThere were no significant differences between sites in timing of violent incidents, consequences of traumatic events or organisation provision. Surprisingly, over 90 per cent of paramedics had not been pushed, slapped, beaten, scratched or spat on in the previous month. There was a statistically significant difference between genders for being yelled at or verbally abused (p=0.02). When considering burnout, female paramedics showed significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion t(37)=–2.32, p=0.02 and lower levels of career satisfaction than their male counterparts, t(37)=3.32, p=0.00.Originality/valueAlthough prevalence rates of violent incidents seemed lower than expected, policy interventions to encourage female paramedics to display their professional identities and steps to enhance well-being and safety while on duty should be considered.

Individualism-Collectivism Orientations and Coping Styles of Cyberbullying Victims in Chinese Culture

The negative impact of cyberbullying on the psychological wellbeing of victims has been well documented, but not all victims suffer these negative consequences. The victims’ coping strategies are important psychological factors that may buffer the negative effects of victimization. We used the Collectivist Coping Style Inventory to inquire into how Chinese victims of cyberbullying attempt to deal with their experience. We explored how the use of the different coping strategies is related to the individualist and collectivist cultural orientations. The results show that the use of (a) acceptance, reframing, and striving, and (b) avoidance and detachment was associated with the individualist orientation, while the use of (c) family support, (d) religion-spirituality, and (e) private emotional outlets was associated with the collectivist orientation. The findings underscore the need to pay attention to the cultural dimension of coping processes for dealing with the global phenomenon of cyberbullying victimization.

The prevalence and health implications of violence in impoverished communities in Johannesburg

The experience of violent crime can have a significant impact on the physical and psychological well-being of victims and their families. This paper looks at household experience of violence in five impoverished sites in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Five sites were purposefully selected to reflect the prevailing housing profiles in settings of relative impoverishment in Johannesburg. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic profiles, socioeconomic data, environmental conditions and health status. Bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between household experience of violence, and potential risk factors and health/social outcomes. Overall, members of 28% of households had been a victim of violence in the year preceding the study. Across sites, experience of violence within households ranged from 21% to 36%. Perceptions of drug abuse (p=0.01) and drug peddling (p=0.03) as being major problems in the neighbourhood, and living in a house of poor quality (p=0.01), were significantly associated with household experience of crime. In households with experience of violence, fear of crime (p=0.03) and depression (p<0.001) were elevated, and levels of exercise in men were decreased (p=0.05). This paper highlights the high prevalence of violence in impoverished urban areas in South Africa, and contributes to existing evidence regarding the associations between experience of violent crime and psychological ill health in affected communities. The high prevalence of violent crime, and the resultant health and social effects, demand a cross-sectoral intervention to reduce violence, with the health and social sectors playing key roles.

Perceived Sexual Harassment as a Consequence of Psychosocial Factors

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual violence that has become a social problem in our society, in the world, over there are accusations and counter accusations of one form of sexual harassment or the other in the work place. The academic environment is not left out of this problem, in fact, the prevalence and dimensions of the problem in the academic world is rather alarming and its effects on the psychological well-being of victims cannot be overemphasized. This study investigated the influence of personality traits (extraversion/introversion, self-esteem) and some demographic variables (sex, age, work status, and marital status) on the perception of sexual harassment in 250 subjects from two academic communities (The University and Polytechnic of Ibadan). The result showed a significant effect of age, self-esteem and extraversion on perceived sexual harassment, R2=. 083, F=5.37 P