Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Social Sciences in Psychology. NZFVC Keywords: Research - original; Masters; Psychology; ANZSRC 2008 170199 Psychology not elsewhere classified; Qualitative research; Supervisors: Jane Ritchie & Mike Hills

This thesis examines the coping strategies Pakeha women use in response to being psychologically abused. The sample consisted of 12 Pakeha women who had left their male live-in partner no less than one year previously. From interviews with these women, the author uncovers women's experiences of the abuse and their versatile responses over time. Using a feminist-grounded theory analysis, findings clearly demonstrate the chief influences on the beliefs women held and consequently the choices they made. The four main influences include: their partner's 'power and control' tactics; gender socialisation; responses from family, friends, acquaintances and institutions; and popularly understood definitions of what constitutes and what causes domestic violence. The myth that leaving an abusive partner is the way to end abuse is discredited. Several theories show promise for aiding in the understanding of women's complex coping processes. These include feminist theory; French and Raven's theory of the five bases of power; face-saving entrapment theory; social construction theory; social identity theory; existential theory; relational theory; cognitive social learning theory; Belenky and colleague's theory of women's ways of knowing, learning and perceiving truth; intergenerational theory of violence; psychoanalytic theory and narrative theory. The discussion places emphasis on the finding that women lose a sense of themselves as a result of psychological abuse, but following a number of catalysts for change, they experience a new-found inner strength which generates a change in beliefs and strategies. In spite of social disapproval, minimal assistance from social institutions and ongoing separation abuse by their ex-partner, these changes reflect the value of self-care, a determination to pursue their potential and to shake free from the shackles of gender socialisation.--Author's abstract

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