Psychological Well-Being and Coping Mechanisms of Battered Women

The study determined the battered women's degree of psychological well-being, coping mechanisms and the relationship between psychological well-being and coping mechanisms. The variables were measured using the Caroll Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being and Ways of Coping Inventory and test of relationship was made using the Pearson r. The results show that the battered women had very good psychological well-being and positive reappraisal, seeking social support, accepting responsibility and planful problem-solving coping mechanisms were employed in succumbing distress associated with the experience from domestic violence. Psychological well-being and coping mechanisms were correlated but at various strengths. The findings reveal that battered women must not prolong their stay at home nor stay in the abusive relationship but run for shelter and seek help to promptly restore the shattered psychological well-being. An excellent psychological well-being leads them to cope with the crisis through problem-focused type of coping mechanisms. However, emotion-focusedcoping mechanisms are used when psychological wellbeing is not in excellent status. Constant supervision and monitoring must be given to them even if they are subjected to therapeutic sessions. A trained psychiatrist, psychologist and social worker are required to efficiently and effectively respond to the victims. Finally, a comprehensive intervention program encompassing all dimensions of a person must be crafted, designed and implemented in support to the battered women in the shelter home.

 

Keywords - psychological well-being, coping mechanism, battered women