Women's experiences of PTSD related to intimate partner violence
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Women's experiences of PTSD related to intimate partner violence: A socio-ecological perspective on the cognitive model of PTSD
IRAS ID
354662
Contact name
Rachael Worthen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
One in three women globally have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). IPV involves behaviours that cause physical, psychological, or sexual harm to those in a relationship (Wood et al., 2019). High rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are prevalent following IPV (PTSD, UK), yet interventions for survivors of IPV have demonstrated limited effectiveness (Karakurt et al., 2022; Hameed et al., 2020).
In therapy, clinicians draw on psychological theories to make sense of a person’s presenting difficulties, such as PTSD. This is called “formulation” which serves as a map to help guide treatment. We understand from existing evidence that survivors of intimate partner violence have unique experiences that are unlike any other type of trauma. One of the most widely used treatments for PTSD is cognitive behavioural therapy, which is the recommended treatment of choice due to its significant effectiveness. Whilst clinicians adapt each treatment to individuals’ experiences, there are limitations in the application of this model to victims of intimate partner violence.
This study hopes to better understand how PTSD presents in survivors of IPV to refine our theories and understanding, to provide more specialised and tailored support to people with PTSD related to IPV. The study will explore factors including a survivor's relationships, community, and culture to address critique that psychology's current understanding of responses to trauma focus largely on the individual as opposed to their social and cultural context (Ager, 2020).
Participants will be invited to take part in interviews which will be analysed to create individual formulations. Simultaneously, the research will find common themes and connections across the data, to form the basis of a new understanding of IPV related trauma.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
25/WS/0057
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion