PREVALENCE AND PATTERNS OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN ABUSED AND POSTABUSED WOMEN

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and patterns of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in abused and postabused women. A convenience sample of 160 abused, postabused, and nonabused women completed measures related to physical and emotional abuse by an intimate partner, risk of homicide, and PTSD. Results indicated that PTSD symptoms were present in both the abused and postabused women and were positively correlated with the severity of abuse and risk of homicide that the women experienced. The postabused women were out of the abusive relationship an average of nine years, yet continued to experience PTSD symptoms.