The Role of Social Support and Coping Mechanisms on Mental Health of Women Suffering Spouse Abuse

Objectives: This survey aimed at finding a model for determining the direct and indirect effects of spouse abuse on the psychological health of victimized women as well as analysis of the mediating roles of social support and coping mechanisms on the relationship between spouse abuse and psychological health condition. Method: 192 women were selected by random sampling. They completed several questionnaires including Spouse Abuse Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ28), Social Support Scale and Coping Scale. Results: The conceptual model was evaluated using path analysis. Social support and passive coping mechanisms had moderating effects on the relationship between spouse abuse and mental health. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that social support and coping mechanisms can decrease the negative physical and psychological influences of spouse abuse on health condition.