title: Conceptual model of acid attacks based on survivor's experiences: Lessons from a qualitative exploration.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acid attack, a worldwide phenomenon, has been increasing in recent years. In addition to severe injuries to the face and body, such violence leads to psychological and social problems that affect the survivors' quality of life. The present study provides a more in-depth understanding of this phenomenon and explores the nature and dimensions of acid attacks based on survivors' experiences.
  
  
  METHODS
  A grounded theory study using semi-structured, recorded interviews and applying purposeful theoretical sampling was conducted with 12 acid attack survivors in Iran. Data were analysed using constant comparison in open, axial and selective coding stages.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A conceptual model was developed to explain the relationships among the main categories extracted through the grounded theory study. Physical and psychological wounds emerged as a core category. Traditional context and extreme beauty value in society acted as the context of the physical and psychological wounds experienced. Living with a drug abuser with behavioural disorders and lack of problem-solving skills in interpersonal conflict were found to be causal conditions. Action strategies to deal with this experience were found to be composed of individual, interpersonal and structural levels. Education, percentage and place of burning acted as intervening conditions that influenced survivors' strategies. Finally, adverse consequences of social deprivation and feeling helpless and hindered were found to have an important impact.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acid attack lead to physical and psychological wounds in survivors. This is a multi-dimensional phenomenon involving illness, disability, and victimization, and requires a wide range of strategies at different levels. The conceptual model derived through this study can serve as a good basis for intervention programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, Research Center of Social Welfare Management, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science (USWR), Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: Mo.khoshnami@uswr.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sabzi Khoshnami
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University (ATU), Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: e.mohammadi1986@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Elham
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mohammadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University (ATU), Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: hadelyan@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Hamideh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Addelyan Rasi
authors.affiliation: Department of Disaster and Emergency Health, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science (USWR), Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: ha.khankeh@uswr.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Hamid Reza
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Khankeh
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science (USWR), Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Maliheh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arshi
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002053:Burn Units; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D000067073:Psychological Trauma / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Acid attack; Grounded theory; Iran; Physical and psychological wounds; Survivor