Citation

Samuels-Dennis J, Bailey A, Killian K, Ray SL. Can. J. Commun. Ment. Health 2013; 32(1): 109-124.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Wifrid Laurier University Press)

DOI

10.7870/cjcmh-2013-009

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this study, data from 181 income-assisted single mothers residing in Ontario, Canada, is used to examine the process through which childhood abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom levels. Structural equation modelling is used to examine the mediating effects of empowerment, social support, and interpersonal conflict on the trauma-PTSD process. Empowerment and social support are highlighted as key protective factors that may be compromised by exposure to abuse/violence and interpersonal conflict. Implications include understanding the ways in which women's empowerment may be enhanced particularly in the post-trauma period.

KEYWORDS: post-traumatic stress symptoms, single mothers, predictive and protective factors, empowerment, interpersonal conflict, social support