Do coping stress strategies mediate the link between dating violence and psychologigal adjustment
Dating violence is a prevalent problem in today’s society and significant research has been directed toward the question of their psychological well- being. Studies have yet to provide a definitive answer, but potential strong mediator of the relation between intimate partner violence and psychological outcomes could be coping stress strategies variables. So the aim of this study was to reveal ways in which coping strategies (adaptive and non-adaptive) mediate the association between dating violence and psychological well-being. The study sample included 220 high school students ranging in age from 16 to 19 years. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory was used to gather information about dating violence. The Coping strategies were assessed by The Ways of Coping Scales, while Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 was used for assessing current psychological adjustment. Results indicated that emotional/verbal violence by partners and psychological adjustment link was mediated by non- adaptive coping strategies. However the relation of emotional violence and psychological well-being was not mediated by adaptive strategies. Furthermore, coping strategies were not found to be mediator variables of relationship between physical violence and psychological outcomes. Obtained results have significant implication for clinical practice with abused persons. Preventive strategies need to focus on developing of effective coping styles.