An analysis of the manifestations of trauma following psychological abuse, and an examination of the process of recovery

• Main Author: Laas, Sarah Jane
• Other Authors: Gobodo-Madikizela, Pumla
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Subjects: Research Psychology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11294

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-130). === This research aimed to provide an in-depth analysis of the experiences of unmarried women subjected to prolonged psychological and emotional abuse within intimate relationships. The manifestations of trauma were investigated, including the psychological ramifications of exposure to repeated emotional abuse, as well as the nature of psychological captivity and the factors that prevented these women from leaving their abusers. The influence of societal gender relations on the women's experiences of abuse was explored, and an examination of the women's processes of recovery was conducted. The sample consisted of 10 women: four white participants, four black participants, and two coloured participants. The age of the participants at the time of interviewing ranged from 19 years of age to 30 years of age. Individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data was analysed using thematic analysis.