Attributions of Self-Blame and Perceived Control as Moderators of Adjustment in Battered Women

The present study explored the relationship among attributions of self-blame, perceived control, and psychological adjustment in battered women. A total of 160 women who experienced physical violence in an intimate relationship completed ratings of characterological self-blame, behavioral self-blame, perceived control, and adjustment. Women currently involved with violent partners reported the highest rates of characterological and behavioral self-blame and the lowest level of perceived control. Both dimensions of self-blame were positively correlated with symptoms. Perceived control was associated with lower symptoms. Characterological self-blame, behavioral self-blame, and perceived control moderated the relationship between violence and adjustment. The implications for understanding the process by which self-blame and perceived control moderate psychological adjustment are discussed.