Normative Beliefs Regarding the Maintenance of Intimate Relationships Among Abused and Nonabused Women

This study examined the normative beliefs regarding how women act in maintaining intimate relationships. A convenience sample of 53 abused and 52 nonabused women completed self-report measures related to physical and emotional abuse by an intimate partner (Index of Spouse Abuse), normative beliefs regarding relationships (Silencing the Self), and their self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem). Results indicated that abused and nonabused women with low self-esteem tended to have higher levels of belief in societal norms and gender-specific socializations regarding how women should maintain relationships. Abused women exhibited significantly higher levels of externalized self-perception, self-sacrifice, silence, and disconnection in intimate relationships when compared to nonabused women.