Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression forwomen. Despite significant advances in understanding PTSD and depression and associatedneurobiological features, the long term impact of IPV on these conditions remains elusive. We propose toconduct longitudinal research on the impact of IPV on PTSD and depression in a cohort of 205 Latinamothers. This longitudinal study entitled 'Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health of Latinas'responds to the Institute of Medicine's call for long-term follow up studies to examine the causes andconsequences of violence against women. An innovative framework focusing on Vulnerability and Protectivefactors is proposed. Mental health outcomes include PTSD and depression symptoms and associatedneurobiological profiles reflecting cumulative stress exposure (allostatic load).
Major aims are to: 1) assessthe longitudinal course (prevalence, severity and neurobiological characteristics) of PTSD and depressionsymptoms for Latina mothers who differ in IPV exposure and the emotional and behavioral problems of thechildren through their first five years of life; 2) assess the additive or interactive effects of recent IPV andnon-IPV trauma on PTSD and depression symptoms, and associated biomarkers of allostatic load in thiscohort. In addition, the role of vulnerability factors (low SES, acculturation, substance abuse) in modifying therelationships between non-IPV trauma on PTSD, depression, and neurobiological indicators overtime will beexamined; and 3) assess the additive or interactive effects of maternal attachment on PTSD and depressionsymptoms and biomarkers of allostatic load in the cohort. We will also assess whether protective factors(e.g. mastery, coping, resiliency, social support, and utilization of health care) will modify the relationshipsbetween IPV and each of the outcomes over time. The sample will be followed for four years and willparticipate in a total of seven interviews conducted every 6 months. Analytic strategies to be used, includemultiple regression, structural equation modeling, and longitudinal growth curve analysis. Results from.thisunique project will provide important information for understanding the impact of IPV on PTSD anddepression symptoms and factors that modify this relationship over time.Intimate partner violence (IPV) is frequently seen in conjunction with other health problems but little is knownon the long term impact of IPV on Latino women. This research will follow a group of Latino women overtime and allow us to learn about factors which may lessen or alleviate the mental health related long termimpact of IPV.
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