Date of Conferral
2018
Degree
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
School
Health Services
Advisor
Mary Lou Gutierrez
Abstract
Limited knowledge exists about sexual orientation and intimate partner violence among women who have sex with women. These women are at risk for adverse physical and mental health hygiene outcomes that may result from unhealthy lifestyles secondary to intimate partner violence. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between sexual orientation and intimate partner violence among women who have sex with women. The constructs of the biopsychosocial model guided the study and examination of the relationships among biological factors (sexual orientation), social contexts (support of family and friends and use of community services), and psychological influence (mental health status) on intimate partner violence among women who have sex with women. The study was a quantitative cross-sectional analysis of archived data from the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Forward stepwise logistic regression indicated a statistically significant relationship between sexual orientation and intimate partner violence victimization (p < .05) Annual household income, race, family/proximal support, and support of community were significant predictors of intimate partner violence victimization. The social change implications of the study are that findings may inform design and implementation of policies, services, and interventions that target the diverse needs of female same-sex intimate partner violence victims.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Shanna Renn, "Sexual Orientation and Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Who Have Sex With Women" (2018). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 5783.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5783
