The effect of self-study training on resilience and effective coping style of women involved in domestic violence

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious yet preventable public health issue. Resilience plays a significant role in helping women overcome the effects of IPV. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of self-help training on the resilience of women exposed to IPV.MATERIAL AND METHODS:In this clinical trial, 62 female survivors of violence who were attending comprehensive health service centers in 2022, randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. Data collection instruments included a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Violence Against Women Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the problem-focused coping subscale of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOCQ) by Lazarus and Folkman. The training in this study was delivered in person using lectures, group discussions, and question-and-answer sessions. The total number of sessions was 14 sessions of 60 min each, for two groups of 16 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21), independent t-tests, and analysis of variance with repeated measures (ANOVA).RESULTS:The results demonstrated a significant increase in resilience scores in the intervention group over time, (baseline 58.27 +/- 19.83, immediately 65.79 +/- 17.77, one month 66.68 +/- 17.49, and two months 66.44 +/- 17.61, post-intervention) (P value: 0.002). And in effective coping style scores (baseline 35.51 +/- 11.64, immediately 43.13 +/- 12.47, one month 43.37 +/- 12.39, and two months 43.86 +/- 12.65, post-intervention) (P value: 0.008).CONCLUSION:Verbal self-instruction improves resilience scores and effective coping styles, but its impact is greater on resilience. This training method can be included in counseling and support programs to optimize healthcare services for women affected by domestic violence.