I2b

SELF-CONCEPT IN SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITH A HISTORY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS

Presenters: Bridgett Simone Ross

Abstract Category: Research

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Not Provided

Description:

Discusses the self-concept of women with histories of both domestic violence victimization and substance abuse problems.

Abstract:

Numerous women with histories of domestic violence frequently report histories of substance abuse problems, and many women with addictions report domestic violence victimization. Despite the high correlation of the concurrence these two phenomena, substance-abusing survivors of domestic violence are largely ignored in both research and practice. The current study focuses on the self-concept because when it is enhanced it plays a vital role in promoting optimal psychological functioning and has been found to help survivors of domestic violence escape their perpetrators.

The current study adds to the literature on this largely neglected population by addressing the following research questions:

(a) How does the self-concept of female survivors of domestic violence with a history of substance abuse problems manifest and

(b) How do domestic violence survivors perceive that their self-concept has changed from childhood?

The current study elucidated ten major themes and six minor themes related to the self-concept when interviewing and administering self-report measures to women with a concurrent history of domestic violence victimization and substance abuse problems. This was achieved in two ways:

(a) by identifying themes where participants directly discussed the self-concept and

(b) by using L’Ecuyer’s (1992) theory to extrapolate meaning related to the self-concept from participant’s reports of life experiences.