Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Richard Jimenez

Abstract

Approximately 35% of women in the United States experience intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV could be linked to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that result in long-term mental health issues. Public health professionals, college counselors, and educators require information to assist in identifying college-age women who may be affected by IPV. The purpose of the study was to explore the association between the occurrence of symptoms of PTSD and IPV among college-aged women. The socioecological model was the theoretical framework for the study. A total of 199 cases were selected from National Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence Survey dataset for analysis. Data were analyzed using chi-square analysis and Welch's t test. The results of the study indicated significant association in the relationships between PTSD symptoms and IPV, which displayed p < .001, and significant association between PTSD symptoms and socioeconomic status, which displayed p = .026. The results also indicated that age (p = .313), ethnicity (p = .178), social support, and education (p = .079). have no significant relationship with PTSD symptoms and IPV among college-aged women. The potential positive social impact of this study is that findings show predictive factors that may have influenced a type of behavior as it relates to IPV, which could create and improve IPV prevention programs for college women, college educators, college counselors, local authorities, and health care workers. Providing focused attention on the education of these individuals could assist in early detection, which could reduce the potential for IPV/PTSD symptoms to occur among college-aged women.

Share

 
COinS