"Dissed" by dating violence.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes the impact of the experience of dating violence on the daily lives of college women.


METHODS
Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze transcribed responses from an open-ended question about the impact of dating violence.


RESULTS
Eight thematic categories emerged: emotional distress, distrust and using extra precautions, disconnected and distant in relationships, self-discontentment, disclaiming the experience, feeling disenfranchised, life disruption, and turning a situation from disempowering to empowering.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the perspective of dating violence victims assists the advanced practice psychiatric nurse (APPN) with planning effective care. Routine screening about past and present experiences of violence must occur with all young women. Providers must be knowledgeable about available resources for victims.
Amar
Angela Frederick
AF
Georgetown University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Washington, DC, USA. acf25@georgetown.edu
Alexy
Eileen M
EM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*