From Abuse to Resilience in Romantic Relationships of Women: A Model Testing Study

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to examine the mediating role of awareness, cognitive flexibility, positive attitude towards the future, and social support in the relationship between perceived abuse and resilience in women. Method The researchers used structural equation modelling to test whether internal protective factors such as mindfulness, cognitive flexibility, positive attitudes towards the future, and external protective factors such as perceived social support from family and friends play a role as protective factors in the effect of abuse women perceive in their romantic relationships on their resilience. Within the scope of this research, data were collected by purposive sampling method from 818 women aged 18 and over who are currently in a romantic relationship. Results The findings of this study revealed that the hypothetical model established based on the literature was not rejected χ² / df = 4,400; RMSEA = 0.065; SRMR: 057; CFI = 0.951; NFI =, 938; TLI / NNFI = 0.925; GFI = 0.964; AGFI = 0.935. Besides, it has been found that internal and external protective factors together explain 52% of the change in resilience. Conclusions The mediating role of the internal and external protective factors in the model revealed that they play a crucial role in the process of developing resilience among women. The findings obtained from the research were discussed within the scope of the related literature and suggestions were presented to researchers and those working in the practice field for further studies.