Perceptions of control, depressive symptomatology, and self-esteem in abused women

The relations between several psychological variables and a history of physical victimization against women by their male partners were examined. Locus of control orientation, feelings of personal power and injustice, depressive symptomatology, self-esteem, and judgments of control over a contingently responsive computerized display were investigated in 21 abused women in shelters and 21 comparison women. The relationships between severity of abuse and these variables were also examined within the sample of abused women. The group of abused women had lower beliefs in self-efficacy, were more depressed, and had lower self-esteem than the comparison women. Severity of physical abuse among the abused women was positively correlated with depression scores. Verbal abuse was found to contribute significantly to many of these between-group differences. Empirical evidence of the positive impact of shelter residence on the abused women's mental health is also presented. The importance of future research into both the differential effects of verbal and physical abuse on women and the role of shelters in empowering abused women are discussed.