Mental health and academic impacts of intimate partner violence among IHE-attending women

Abstract

Objective: The study assesses the prevalence of physical, psychological, sexual, and cyber forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) among female college students, and associated mental health and academic outcomes.

Participants: Participants (n = 6,818) were randomly selected female students attending one of eight campuses of a University System in the Southwest. Their mean age was 25, and 45% identified as Hispanic/Latina. Data collection concluded in November of 2015.

Methods: Students completed anonymous online surveys of behavioral-specific measures assessing victimization and potential impacts. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were employed.

Results: Since enrollment, 31% had experienced IPV. Significant correlations were observed between severity of IPV and extent of PTSD, depression, school disengagement, and academic impacts. Higher levels of psychological, sexual, and cyber violence were associated with increased PTSD and depression symptoms.

Conclusion: IPV is a significant indicator of mental health and academic impacts, meriting attention from Institutions of Higher Education.

Keywords:

• Academic achievement
• dating violence
• higher education
• intimate partner violence
• mental health