Person-Oriented Methods in Partner Violence Research: Distinct Biopsychosocial Profiles Among Battered Women

• NCJ Number: 237860
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 25 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2010 Pages: 1064-1093
• Author(s): Paula S. Nurius; Rebecca J. Macy
• Date Published: June 2010
• Length: 30 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1 R01 DA11151; 5 T32 MH200010
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)

Annotation

This study examined the use of person-oriented methods to understand differences that have been found in biopsychosocial consequences among those who experience intimate partner violence (IPV).

Abstract

Violence researchers have called for the use of person-oriented methods to understand differences that have been found in biopsychosocial consequences among those who experience intimate partner violence (IPV). To address this issue, the authors apply a person-oriented statistical method, latent profile analysis (LPA), to test for meaningful subgroups of a sample of 448 battered women based on participants' appraisals of their vulnerability relative to their violent partner, depressive symptoms, physical injuries, overall physical health functioning, and their positive and negative social relationships with friends and family. The LPA established five significantly distinct subgroups. Using MANOVA, the authors examined these subgroups and their respective IPV exposure, both concomitant and separate incidents within the past year. Those with the most intensive violence exposure show the greatest level of challenge and impairment. However, the groups with comparable levels of IPV exposure manifest distinctly different configurations of biopsychosocial profiles, indicating a need for adaptive interventions commensurate with these profiles. The authors discuss the implications these findings have for developing adaptive interventions for battered women, as well as the potential utility of person-oriented tools for violence researchers. (Published Abstract)