A theoretical framework for understanding help-seeking processes among survivors of intimate partner violence.
This paper suggests a conceptual framework for understanding the processes of help-seeking among survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). A cognitive theory from general literature on help-seeking in "stigmatizing" situations suggests three relevant processes or stages of seeking help in the IPV context: defining the problem, deciding to seek help, and selecting a source of support. Individual, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors that influence decision-making at each of these stages are discussed and illustrated with case examples.
Liang
Belle
B
Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Campion 314, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02461, USA. liangbe@bc.edu
Goodman
Lisa
L
Tummala-Narra
Pratyusha
P
Weintraub
Sarah
S
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003469:Culture; D003657:Decision Making; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D012945:Social Values / Q000208:ethnology; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*