Exploring the Predictive Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence on Psychological Distress of Selected Married Women in North East Nigeria
Choja Akpovire Oduaran 
& Victor Chidi Onyencho
Issue: Vol.10 No. 6 June 2024 Special Issue Article 10 pp.98-107
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202410610 | Published online 6th June, 2024.
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major challenge in most marriages, and women are the most affected. Available studies in sub-Saharan Africa considered associated factors in IPV and psychological distress. This study therefore explored the predictive correlates of intimate partner violence on the psychological distress of selected married women in North East Nigeria. This cross-sectional study adopted a purposive sampling technique and 397 married women were selected. The participants responded to questionnaires measuring psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire –28) and Intimate Partner Violence (HARK-4). The dimensions of IPV (Humiliation, Afraid, Rape and Kick) jointly predicted psychological distress among married women. The dimensions contributed a significant variance of 11% to the changes observed in psychological distress. Only afraid, which might be categorised as a psychological form of IPV independently predicted psychological distress. On demographical variables, educational level and marriage duration predicted psychological distress. According to the study’s findings, married women may be more susceptible to psychological distress due to their educational levels, shorter marriage duration, and fear of their partners. The results of this study should be taken into consideration when creating programs to mitigate IPV against women by relevant stakeholders.
Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence Dimensions, Married Women, Psychological Distress
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Prof. Choja Akpovire Oduaran is a counselling and clinical psychologist specialist with over 20 years of research experience. Throughout her career, most of her work focused on health and counselling psychology. Currently, a professor at the Department of Psychosocial Health, North-West University where she teaches various courses in psychology from personality theory, community theory, professional ethical behaviour, ethics, psychodiagnostic and practical work to applied psychological and community interventions at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research output reflects a diverse, collaborative, and progressive record of accomplishment in the field of health and counselling psychology with several international collaborations. A member of the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA), Psychology Society of South Africa (PSYSSA), South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP), and the American Psychology Association.
Dr. Victor Chidi Onyencho is a consultant and advocate for prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproduction Health, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). Having worked as a clinical psychologist with Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Maiduguri for more than a decade and as a senior visiting lecturer with the Department of Mental Health, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. He has impacted both government and non-government sectors positively through his selfless services. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow with the Community Psychosocial Research Entity, at North-West University, South Africa. A member of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA), Nigeria Clinical Psychologist Association (NACP), International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) and executive member of the International Association for Youth Mental Health.
Oduaran, Choja Akpovire & Victor Chidi Onyencho. “Exploring the Predictive Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence on Psychological Distress of Selected Married Women in North East Nigeria,” E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 10 no.6 Special Issue(2024): 98-107. https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202410610
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
