Empowering Processes of Three Women Experiencing Marital Violence

• Main Authors: Hsiao, Yu-Mei, 蕭玉玫
• Other Authors: 許維素
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/86092744562909656521

碩士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 教育心理與輔導學系 === 96 === This study explored the empowering processes of women who experienced martial violence and the components of personal empowerment that enabled these three women to leave abusive relationships. Three abused women aged 31–55 years who experienced a sense of empowerment participated in this study. Data collected through in-depth interviews were analyzed by using the open-ended rules of the qualitative method. Based on the Zimmerman’s theory, the results and discussion of this study were presented as four parts. First, the histories of these women, including their life experiences and the empowering processes, were described. Second, the components of personal empowerment were as follows: (1) six intrapersonal components were motivation to control, perceived control, self-confidence, economic self-efficacy, perceived decrease in negative feelings, and perceived production of positive feelings; (2) four interactive components were awareness of problems, awareness of resources, development of skills, and reframing; and, (3) six behavioral components were taking a job, developing self competence, active anti-violence action, emotional or pressure management, and social network support, performing altruistic behaviors and, and increasing participation in the community or social activities. Third, the empowering processes of these women had the following four stages: initiation, preparation, action and outcome. These stages were inseparable and the components of empowerment in the empowering process were interrelated. Fourth, five essential aspects of the empowering processes were identified. These aspects, which interacted with each other, were coping with or resisting violence, relief or control of emotions or pressure, economic autonomy and control, interpersonal interaction and connectedness, and elevation of self-esteem. Finally, based on the results and discussion of this study, suggestions were proposed for women experiencing marital violence, professionals and future research.