title: Perceptions of boundary ambiguity in the process of leaving an abusive partner.
abstract: The process of leaving an abusive partner has been theorized using the Stages of Change Model. Although useful, this model does not account for changes in relational boundaries unique to the process of leaving. Using family stress and feminist perspectives, this study sought to integrate boundary ambiguity into the Stages of Change Model. Boundary ambiguity is defined as a perception of uncertainty as to who is in or out of a family system (Boss & Greenberg, 1984). Twenty-five mothers who had temporarily or permanently left their abusers were interviewed. Data were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory methods. Results identify types, indicators of, and mothers' responses to boundary ambiguity throughout the five stages of change. Most mothers and abusers fluctuated between physical and psychological presence and absence over multiple separations. The integration of boundary ambiguity into the Stages of Change Model highlights the process of leaving an abusive partner as systemic, fluid, and nonlinear.
authors.affiliation: Family and Child Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ.
authors.forename: Lyndal
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Khaw
authors.affiliation: Human and Community Development, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hardesty
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D004243:Divorce / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D019513:Feminism; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012938:Social Perception; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Boundary Ambiguity; Intimate Partner Violence; Modelo de Etapas de Cambio; Qualitative Research; Relationship Dissolution; Stages of Change Model; ambigüedad de límites; disolución de la relación; investigación cualitativa; violencia en la pareja; 亲密伴侣暴力; 关系瓦解; 变化阶段模型; 定性研究; 边界模糊