Citation

O'Neill ML, Kerig PK. J. Interpers. Violence 2000; 15(10): 1036-1049.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/088626000015010002

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study explored the relationship among attributions of self-blame, perceived control, and psychological adjustment in battered women. A total of 160 women who experienced physical violence in an intimate relationship completed ratings of characterological self-blame, behavioral self-blame, perceived control, and adjustment. Women currently involved with violent partners reported the highest rates of characterological and behavioral self-blame and the lowest level of perceived control. Both dimensions of self-blame were positively correlated with symptoms. Perceived control was associated with lower symptoms. Characterological self-blame, behavioral self-blame, and perceived control moderated the relationship between violence and adjustment. The implications for understanding the process by which self-blame and perceived control moderate psychological adjustment are discussed.