Intimate Partner Violence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among College Women

Intimate Partner Violence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among College Women by Crystal Bowler MHA/Informatics, University of Phoenix, 2013 BS, University of South Alabama, 2009 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Public Health Walden University November 2018 Abstract Approximately 35% of women in the United States experience intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV could be linked to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that result in long-term mental health issues. Public health professionals, college counselors, and educators require information to assist in identifying college-age women who may be affected by IPV. The purpose of the study was to explore the association between theApproximately 35% of women in the United States experience intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV could be linked to symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that result in long-term mental health issues. Public health professionals, college counselors, and educators require information to assist in identifying college-age women who may be affected by IPV. The purpose of the study was to explore the association between the occurrence of symptoms of PTSD and IPV among college-aged women. The sociocological model was the theoretical framework for the study. A total of 199 cases were selected from National Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence Survey dataset for analysis. Data were analyzed using chi-square analysis and Welch’s t test. The results of the study indicated significant association in the relationships between PTSD symptoms and IPV, which displayed p < . 001, and significant association between PTSD symptoms and socioeconomic status, which displayed p = . 026. The results also indicated that age (p = .313), ethnicity (p = .178), social support, and education (p = .079). have no significant relationship with PTSD symptoms and IPV among college-aged women. The potential positive social impact of this study is that findings show predictive factors that may have influenced a type of behavior as it relates to IPV, which could create and improve IPV prevention programs for college women, college educators, college counselors, local authorities, and health care workers. Providing focused attention on the education of these individuals could assist in early detection, which could reduce the potential for IPV/PTSD symptoms to occur among college-aged women. Intimate Partner Violence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among College Women by Crystal Bowler MHA/Informatics, University of Phoenix, 2013 BS, University of South Alabama, 2009 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Public Health Walden University November 2018 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my mother Catherine Price and my late father Lenard Price who has deceased in 2007. My mom has and still supports anything I have every thought of attempting and has stood by me and encouraged me so that I can obtain anything I put my mind to and to continue to have faith in everything I do and it will come to past. My dad also instilled in me that education is important and was not an option in our home and for that I am very thankful. My two sisters both Lawande and Zipporah, you two encourage me all the time to keep going and don’t stop and I appreciate you both for that. I am also dedicating this to my other family members and close friends who have provided me with words or encouragement or that extra push when I did not feel like this was possible. I am grateful to my colleagues both Monique Aguirre and Opokua Yasa Obei whom we have leaned on each other throughout this entire process through the good and the bad. I am most grateful to all who have had even the smallest way in the completion and success of this dissertation. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge my chair and dissertation advisor, Dr. Richard Jimenez, for his continued support, patience, and constant encouragement through this entire process. I would also like to thank my committee member Dr. Chinaro M. Kennedy for her support and guidance throughout this process. Without either of your support, this dissertation would not be possible, as I have had a lot of roadblocks throughout this entire process from the beginning your support has pushed me and encouraged me to want to finish and for that I am thankful to you both.