Coping Styles, Anxiety, and Depression in WomenWho Experienced Psychological Abusein their Intimate Relationships

Abstract

Introduction. This study evaluated the relationship between psychological abuse, anxiety, depression, and coping styles in Argentine women, comparing those who suffered psychological abuse in their intimate relationship with those who did not experience it.
Method. The sample consisted of 80 women: 40 victims, with an average age of 31.21 years, and 40 with no history of abuse. The research was ex post facto with a cross-sectional design. Descriptive analysis was used for sociodemographic data. 
The instruments employed were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), all in versions adapted for Argentina. MANOVA was used for the statistical analysis.
Results. The results indicated that women who experienced psychological abuse presented significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety. Significant differences were found in coping strategies between women who did not experience abuse, who showed a greater tendency to employ adaptive strategies such as cognitive redefinition and seeking alternative gratifications, while the victims of abuse tended toward resignation-based acceptance and cognitive avoidance.
Conclusions. The findings highlight the significant impact of psychological abuse on the mental health and coping strategies of affected women, providing valuable information for psychological intervention and the development of support programs that address the emotional and behavioral consequences derived from this type of violence.