Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Gregory Hickman

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent diagnosis, and many human and social services professionals strive to understand its components, to ensure that they serve the population properly. However, little is known about how PTSD may influence women’s vulnerabilities to and future experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). Emphasizing relationship coaching, which provides tools to foster healthy relationships, within the therapeutic curricula on rehabilitation for women with PTSD may result in reduced chances to experience IPV as women integrate back into their everyday life after being diagnosed and treated for PTSD. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to examine the perceived role of IPV in PTSD. This research was completed utilizing the trauma theory lens and considered the participants’ experiences with IPV after a diagnosis of PTSD. The study included eight female participants who had been diagnosed with PTSD and were IPV victims. Utilizing thematic data analysis, emergent themes about women’s beliefs included (a) suffering from similar PTSD symptoms, (b) value in seeking treatment for PTSD, (c) understanding the definition of IPV, (d) recognizing the relationship between PSTD symptoms and IPV, and (e) finding relationship coaching may have been beneficial. Additionally, results from this study suggest that when relationship coaching is incorporated into the rehabilitation curricula, programs for women with PTSD diagnoses may be increasingly beneficial for clients. The results of this study can facilitate positive social change by influencing and encouraging women to foster healthy relationships after being diagnosed with PTSD. This research will have a positive social impact by encouraging healthy relationships while allowing for safer homes, environments, and communities.

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