Stress and resilience in women victims of domestic violence: Clinical study

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence, as a recurrent and intentional form of interpersonal trauma aligned with Type II (complex) trauma, inflicts profound psychological and social harm on women, leading to chronic stress, emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, and persistent feelings of fear and helplessness. Objective: This study aimed to examine the psychological and social factors shaping women’s responses to domestic violence by comparing less resilient and resilient abused women. Methods: A qualitative clinical design was adopted to analyze eight cases of abused women (five less resilient and three resilient) using in-depth clinical interviews and standardized scales (CD-RISC, PSS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, SCL-90-R). Results: Less resilient women showed higher acceptance of violence, elevated stress, and greater psychological symptom severity. They relied on immature defense mechanisms (justification, denial), remained silent to preserve family stability, and displayed economic dependency and lack of social support. Their coping was characterized by submission, fear of stigma, and hope for partner change. In contrast, resilient women demonstrated higher self-esteem, lower stress levels, and greater psychological stability. They showed rapid danger perception, mature coping strategies, active help-seeking, emotional and spiritual support utilization, and future-oriented planning. Conclusions: The findings emphasized that resilience is shaped by the interaction of personal resources (self-efficacy, self-confidence) and environmental support. Strengthening protective factors and social support networks is crucial for promoting recovery and empowerment among survivors of domestic violence.