Anxiety Sensitivity Among Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

The study examine whether some aspects of anxiety is associated with domestic violence.

Subjects:

The examined group consisted of 59 women at the age between 17 and 64 years, the average age 35,9 years. Perpetrators used psychical violence (humiliating, menacing, deriding, setting financial limits, cheating victims out of money) or physical violence (beating and spanking, strangling, tieing together, sexual intercourse forcing, locking in a house).

Research method:

To assess the level and symptoms of anxiety Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) was used. To assess the level of anxiety as state and as trait the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) self-evaluation questionnaire was used. To assess the level of social anxiety self-report Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) was used.

Results:

The average level of intensity of anxiety according to HAS was 16, 5 points. In 28,8 % of women the medium intensity anxiety were found, in 8,4 % - hard intensity anxiety. In the studied group the low level of anxiety as a trait and as a state was noted. Social anxiety was reported among 57,1% of women who have experienced domestic violence. 38% was noted with a subtype of isolated social anxiety, whereas 19% had a generalized subtype of social phobia. Moderate intensity of social anxiety was presented by 9,5% of women, quite significant by 6,4% and severe and very severe by 9,4% of respondents.

Conclusions:

Traumatic events caused by home bullying can be a source of anxiety in victims. Victims of domestic violence are inherently at risk of social anxiety.