Citation

Bermúdez MP, Matud MP, Buela-Casal G. Rev. Mexic. Psicolog. 2009; 26(1): 51-59.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Sociedad Mexicana de Psicología)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The study analyzed mental health of battered women (n = 176) in El Salvador, who were compared to women from general population who had not been battered by their partners (n = 84). Battered women presented significantly more symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and increase in arousal of posttraumatic stress. They also showed more depressive symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia, as well as social dysfunction. They felt more insecure, and they presented less social support. Battered women who suffered more intensive maltreatment, either of a physical or psychological and sexual nature, presented worse mental health, showing a higher number of symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and increase in arousal, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia, and a higher level of social dysfunction and somatic symptoms.