title: The importance of spirituality in the lives of domestic violence survivors.
abstract: Women with abusive partners utilize a variety of coping strategies to deal with and heal from the violence and sense of betrayal they have experienced. For many women, their trust in a higher power and the support they receive from their faith community is integral to their healing. Of 151 women interviewed for this study, the majority (97%) noted that spirituality or God was a source of strength or comfort for them. Extent of religious involvement predicted increased psychological well-being and decreased depression. For women of color, greater religious involvement was also related to increased social support. Implications for research and direct services are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Urban Health Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Tameka L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Gillum
authors.forename: Cris M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Deborah I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Bybee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000592:standards; D011788:Quality of Life; D029181:Spirituality; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016387:Women's Health