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Rethinking Current Approaches to Psychological Abuse: Conceptual and Methodological Issues

NCJ Number
218577
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior: A Review Journal Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 2007 Pages: 439-458
Author(s)
Diane R, Follingstad
Date Published
July 2007
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article considers conceptual and methodological issues regarding current approaches to understanding and measuring psychological abuse.
Abstract
Four main problems are identified in terms of how researchers currently conceptualize and measure “psychological abuse:” (1) the term “psychological abuse” has never been adequately defined, validated, or conceptually anchored to provide a sound basis for its measurement; (2) psychological aggression in adult intimate relationships has been investigated in parallel fashion to physical abuse; (3) research regarding psychological aggression is limited if it involves only self-report data and the contexts for interpersonal interactions are not considered; and (4) the current measurement of psychological abuse is not sophisticated enough to capture the phenomenon it purports to measure. The author discusses each of these criticisms in turn, noting that the concept of psychological abuse has been too broadly defined and too quickly applied without a consideration for women’s issues or human sensitivity. The author goes on to point out the lack of consensus about what psychological abuse entails, the dangers of relying on self-report data from those who claim victimization, and the lack of research attention to the context in which the psychological abuse occurred as well as a general lack of research interest on the impact and outcomes of the psychological abuse. Future studies should consider examining the decisionmaking principles involved in labeling behaviors by lay and professional populations. Tables, references