RESUMEN
Women recover and heal from traumatic violent experiences in many different ways. This study, which is part of the Franklin County Women and Violence Project, explores the healing experiences of 18 women who have histories of violence, substance abuse, and involvement in the mental health and/or substance abuse treatment system. Ethnographic interviews suggest that while professional intervention can be beneficial, it may not be adequate. In fact, it can be retruamatizing. The means of service delivery and treatment by individuals, service providers and others, may be more important than the actual service. Often women find that caring individuals and a safe environment yield the greatest benefit. It is not so much what people do to help, but how they do it.
Asunto(s)
Mujeres Maltratadas , Aceptación de la Atención de Salud/psicología , Competencia Profesional/normas , Relaciones Profesional-Paciente , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/terapia , Adulto , Mujeres Maltratadas/psicología , Violencia Doméstica/prevención & control , Violencia Doméstica/psicología , Femenino , Humanos , Trastornos Mentales/psicología , Trastornos Mentales/terapia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Narración , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/psicología , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/psicología , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/terapia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Confianza , Estados Unidos , Salud de la MujerRESUMEN
As part of an effort to improve services and outcomes for women with histories of trauma and co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders, the Franklin County Women and Violence Project sought to assess women's perceptions about their social roles and provide them with opportunities to adopt valued social roles. Social role theory suggests that individuals with devalued roles may benefit through the acquisition of valued roles. This article outlines the findings regarding the women's initial assessments of their social roles as well as real and desired changes 3 months after the baseline interview. Findings suggest that valued social roles play a significant role in helping women heal and recover, contributing to greater self-esteem, confidence, and happiness. Conversely, the adoption of devalued roles or worsening of roles contributes to depression and makes it more difficult for women to heal and recover.