Correlates of reproductive coercion among college women in abusive relationships: baseline data from the college safety study

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine correlates of reproductive coercion (RC) among a sample of college women in abusive relationships. Participants: 354 college students reporting a recent history of intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods: This study examines baseline data from a randomized controlled trial testing effectiveness of an interactive safety decision aid (myPlan). Results: Almost a quarter (24.3%) of the sample reported RC. Associated factors included races other than White (p = 0.019), relationship instability (p = 0.022), missing class due to relationship problems (p = 0.001), IPV severity (p < 0.001), technology abuse (p < 0.001), traumatic brain injury-associated events (p < 0.001), and depression (p = 0.024). Conclusions: RC was a significant predictor of depression, with implications for providers working with abused college women regarding the need for mental health services concurrent with IPV/RC services. A larger proportion of women who experienced RC sought help from a healthcare provider for contraception, which suggests intervention opportunities for college health providers.

Keywords:

• Depression
• intimate partner violence
• reproductive coercion
• sexual violence
• traumatic brain injury

Acknowledgments

The research team would like to acknowledge the study participants for their time and expertise.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development under the award number 1R01HD076881.