Examining Associations Between Multiple Types of IPV and Adverse Mental Health Among IPV Survivors

This article draws on data from a web-based survey administered to 377 women seeking IPV services in a Southwestern U.S. state. Multivariate regression analyses with multiple imputation were conducted to investigate the net association between multiple types of IPV and three mental health outcomes: depression, PTSD, and a prior suicidal attempt or threat, controlling for socio-demographics and self-rated health. Multivariate analyses indicated significant associations between reproductive coercion ([beta] = 6.89, p < .001), technology-facilitated violent threats ([beta] = 5.27, p < .05), and psychological vulnerability/abuse ([beta] = 4.45, p < .05) and symptoms of depression. Findings also indicated significant net associations between reproductive coercion ([beta] = 7.05, p < .001), technology-facilitated humiliation ([beta] = 4.87, p < .05), and psychological vulnerability/abuse ([beta] = 7.76, p < .001) and increased PTSD symptomology. Finally, psychological vulnerability/abuse (aOR = 3.36, p < .01) increased the likelihood of reporting a prior suicidal attempt or threat. Women reporting reproductive coercion, technology-facilitated abuse, and psychological vulnerability/abuse had a higher risk of adverse mental health. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms that underlie these varied associations and to develop a cohesive practice model attuned to integrated needs.