Summary:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a stress
management program for mitigating psychological repercussions in women exposed
to intimate partner violence (IPV). This randomized controlled trial took place
from February 2015 to June 2015 under the auspices of the General Secretary of
Gender Equity in Greece public and private settings. A total of 60 women were
randomly assigned into intervention and control group, with the intervention
group (n=30) receiving stress management and lifestyle program. Self-reported
measures were used in order to assess stress, depression and anxiety levels,
daily routine, severity of abuse, self-esteem, health locus of control and
self-efficacy. Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in
measures of stress, depression, anxiety, self-esteem and self-efficacy in the
intervention group. Daily routine and physical exercise were also improved.
Based on these findings we strongly encourage health professionals to advice
women experiencing current or past IPV to adopt stress management techniques on
their daily program, in as a further means of empowering them.
