How women experience post-traumatic growth as survivors of intimate partner violence : an interpretative phenomenological analysis

M.A. (Psychology)Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pressing global public health concern and is considered a complex trauma. Existing literature concerning post-IPV outcomes tends to predominantly focus on negative outcomes. However, recent research concerning outcomes post trauma indicate that positive growth may also occur. There is a paucity of research concerning positive outcomes post IPV, particularly within the framework of post-traumatic growth (PTG). In addition, little is known about how women experience PTG post IPV. This study aims to explore how three white South African women experienced post-traumatic growth in the aftermath of a relationship characterised by intimate partner violence (IPV). Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three white middle class South African women who had experienced IPV in the past. The women were no longer involved in relationships that were characterised by physical, psychological or sexual abuse. The interviews were transcribed and then analysed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results: Four master themes emerged from the analysis, which were ‘struggling to survive in the aftermath’, ‘recreating and recovering the self’, ‘existential re-evaluation’ and ‘changed relationships and goals’. Conclusion: It was found that the women experience PTG as a process post IPV. This only occurred once the three participants ceased to avoid their underlying distress post IPV, and were able to acknowledge their IPV experiences. The processes of recreating or recovering their identities, as well as of finding spiritual beliefs aligned to these identities and the process of creating existential meaning within their new spiritual frameworks led to growth in the PTG domains of personal strength and spiritual growth. In addition, once the women began to grow in these domains, PTG further occurred in other PTG domains such as the development of warmer, more intimate relationships with others and the recognition of new paths or possibilities for one’s life. In conclusion, the three participants’ PTG unfolded gradually, and involved the re-evaluation of existing beliefs and the incorporation of their experiences of IPV into their life narratives. This was a process that was defined by hard work and often marked by distress. The three participants felt as though they would continue to grow in the future, and that they were by no means healed from their experiences of IPV. Future directions: Future research should focus on further on the process of how PTG unfolds for women who have experienced it