THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SYMPTOMS OF CPTSD IN VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abstract

Objective. The article is devoted to the peculiarities of traumatization of persons affected by domestic violence. The subject is the nature of the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) and symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) for the development of methods of helping victims of domestic violence. Long-term traumatic impact on the injured person from a significant loved one, in the absence of adequate and sufficient social support, can manifest itself in re-experiencing, hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, the formation of a negative self-image, and disturbances in close relationships. Methodology. The study was carried out using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). 99 people aged 18 to 61 years old with experience of domestic violence were interviewed. The methods used were descriptive analysis, checking the normality of variables using the Kolmagorov-Smirnov test, and C. Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results. Individuals with more severe CPTSD symptoms were found to demonstrate lower levels of PSS. Therefore, to minimize the symptoms of CPTSD, it is advisable to develop skills related to social interaction and building close relationships. Practical implications. The results are applicable in the process of providing crisis and rehabilitation psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence.

Keywords

• domestic violence
• perceived social support
• significant loved ones
• family
• friends
• complex post-traumatic stress disorder