The relationships between perceived control and dependency, mastery, locus of control and severity of PTSD symptomatology in formerly battered women

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between perceived control, coping behaviors, dependency, and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Forty-two women who had experienced physical abuse in a long-term, live-in relationship were assessed for PTSD using a structured interview and the Impact of Events Scale. They were also administered the Rorschach, Levenson's Intemality, Powerful Others and Chance Scales (EPC), Pearlin's Mastery Scale, the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (EDI), Hudson's Partner Abuse Scale: Physical, and an instrument designed for this study to measure three aspects of perceived control (sense of power in the relationship, ability to influence the partner, and ability to self-protect). Data were also collected on use of direct problem-solving strategies employed for managing the abusive situation.

Findings revealed that 69% of the subjects met the full criteria for PTSD. Pearson correlations indicated significant relationships between severity of PTSD and scores on the Partner Abuse Scale, two IPG Scales (Chance and Powerful Others), the Mastery Scale, and two IDI Scales (Emotional Reliance and Low Self-Confidence). Contrary to expectations, except for a significant negative correlation between PTSD severity and ability to self-protect, neither perceived controllability nor direct problem solving were related to severity of PTSD. Regardless of their symptoms, battered women used diverse, problem-focused coping strategies. Further, mean scores on the EPC, the IDI, and the Mastery Scale were not significantly different from reported norms. Analysis of selected Rorschach variables showed a significant correlation between PTSD severity and reality testing. Perceived control was correlated with trauma-related content scores (i.e. Blood, Sex and Anatomy). These findings suggest adequate internality, mastery, and problem-solving skills in this population; however, there is significant distress related to PTSD. Interventions with members of this population should address these symptoms.