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A Thematic Analysis of Perceived Family Support for Immigrant Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Implications for Well-Being, Help-Seeking, and Healing

Lawlace, Margaret
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1721233512865844

Abstract Details

2024, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Psychology.
Immigrant Latina survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) suffer disproportionately negative consequences from IPV and are less likely to seek formal help compared with non-Latinas. Despite these challenges, some sources of resilience for immigrant Latinas are close family ties and expectations of familial support. Family social support may also be one way of facilitating healing or posttraumatic growth (PTG) following an abusive relationship. Existing research into family support for Latina IPV survivors suggests, however, that not all families are supportive of IPV victims and may discourage formal help-seeking. In addition, there is limited research into PTG in IPV survivors in general and even less that includes Latina survivors in meaningful numbers, thus limiting knowledge of how familial support may impact PTG in this particularly vulnerable population. The current study sought to understand how adult family members of immigrant Latina IPV survivors influence survivors’ well-being, ability to leave the relationship and/or seek formal help, and their healing or growth post-relationship. Eight immigrant Latina survivors of IPV, ages 31 to 50, participated in individual, semi-structured interviews in Spanish about familial impacts on their well-being, relationship trajectories, help-seeking, and healing. All participants reported severe physical and psychological IPV; three participants additionally reported sexual IPV. Participants chose an adult family member who was aware of the abuse in their relationship while the relationship was ongoing to focus on. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and translated into English in a two-step process. Data were analyzed using reflexive, inductive thematic analysis. Participants reported extensive effects of the abuse on their well-being, describing both physical and psychological injuries. Most sought help from at least one formal source, though this help-seeking was largely self-initiated or facilitated by an acquaintance, not by a family member. Almost all participants reported positive changes in their lives following their relationships. Four themes around family involvement were created: Between a Rock and a Poor Place, Women Endure, Family Did the Best They Could, and We’re Doing This. Familial poverty and the transmitted belief that women will inevitably experience abuse in relationships delayed participants’ leaving their abusive relationships. Even so, family members often provided what instrumental support they could and encouraged survivors to leave once they became aware of severe abuse. Despite any familial shortcomings, survivors were grateful to their families and the help they offered. When it came to formal help-seeking, it was most helpful for family to take charge and bring the survivor straight to a service. Overall, the findings from the present study highlight the importance of familial support to influence survivors’ relationship trajectories, though participants also emphasized that their own readiness for change determined what kinds of support they were willing to receive. When survivors were ready for help, familial financial and instrumental support were crucial for leaving their abusive relationships and having the space to heal. Families, regardless of their ability to help financially, maintained positive relationships with survivors even after missteps, demonstrating that close family ties are an important source of resilience for immigrant Latina survivors.
Sarah Whitton, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Farrah Jacquez, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Anjali Dutt, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
60 p.
Clinical Psychology
Intimate partner violence; Immigrant; Latina; Family support

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lawlace, M. (2024). A Thematic Analysis of Perceived Family Support for Immigrant Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Implications for Well-Being, Help-Seeking, and Healing [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1721233512865844

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lawlace, Margaret. A Thematic Analysis of Perceived Family Support for Immigrant Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Implications for Well-Being, Help-Seeking, and Healing. 2024. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1721233512865844.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lawlace, Margaret. "A Thematic Analysis of Perceived Family Support for Immigrant Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Implications for Well-Being, Help-Seeking, and Healing." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1721233512865844

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1721233512865844
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© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.