Perceived Relationship Power Affects Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Illness

Perceived relationship power helps to explain the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health issues, according to a recent study.¹ Minieri and colleagues gathered data from 304 women as part of the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies (CJ-DATS). They examined intimate partner violence and mental health issues among incarcerated women with a history of substance abuse.

Regression analyses examined the relationship of perceived power and the association between a history of IPV and mental health issues. The findings suggest there is a need for services such as counseling and assessment of women's experiences with power in intimate relationships.

Reference:1. Minieri AM, Staton-Tindall M, Leukefeld C, et al. Relationship power as a mediator of intimate partner violence and mental health issues among incarcerated, substance-using women. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2013 Jan 27.