Personality Profiles in Abused Women Receiving Psychotherapy According to the Existence of Childhood Abuse

• NCJ Number: 239747
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2012 Pages: 87-96
• Author(s): Montse Davins-Pujols; Carles Pérez-Testor; Manel Salamero-Baró; Josep A. Castillo-Garayoa
• Date Published: February 2012
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the personality profiles and the influence of childhood abuse on personality profiles of a group of female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Abstract

This study explores the personality profiles and the influence of childhood abuse on personality profiles of a group of 142 female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) who attended a specialized, free care, public outpatient psychological care service in Spain. Characteristics of the abuse were obtained through a semi-structured interview, and personality profiles were assessed using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II (Millon, 1983/1999), validated for the Spanish population. Results revealed that most of the women showed elevations on the basic personality scales, especially on the Dependent, Avoidant, Self-defeating, and Compulsive scales. Women who suffered childhood abuse presented greater elevations in Avoidant, Antisocial, Passive-Aggressive, Self-defeating, and Borderline scales. The importance of studying the effects of violence in intimate relationships in order to analyze prevention and intervention strategies is discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.