Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109651

Marciana Popescu, PhD, MSW, Behavioral Sciences, Andrews University, Nethery Hall, Berrien Springs, MI 49104, 269-471-6675, popescu@andrews.edu, Sharon A. Gillespie, MA, MPH, Behavioral Sciences Department, Andrews University, 123 Nethery Hall, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104, Duane McBride, PhD, Center for Prevention Research, Andrews University, Highway 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0211, and Rene' Drumm, PhD, Social Work Department, Andrews University, Nethery Hall 013, Berrien Springs, MI 49104.

The field of public health continues to explore variables that may have an impact on domestic violence. This study was designed to explore the relationship between spiritual practices and domestic violence behaviors. Two sub-samples were used: 1.seven churches in a conservative protestant denomination 2.the student population of a University campus of the same denomination. 1,200 surveys were distributed with 551 returned. The survey consisted of a series of scales, measuring family wellness, opinions on domestic violence, abusive behaviors (lifetime and current prevalence), health effects of domestic violence, coping behaviors, and programmatic needs.

After grouping the variables in sub-scales(e.g. spirituality sub-scales) a series of multiple regressions was run looking for potential significant predictors of domestic violence. Early findings suggest that spiritual items, overall, were not that significant in predicting abusive behaviors. Church attendance with partner appears to have some deterrent value for domestic violence, while rigid religious rituals shared by partners seem to be predictive of some abusive behaviors. When looking at the impact of spirituality on coping behaviors, prayer is the main coping behavior for this population group, but its perceived effectiveness raises further questions.

Based on the current findings, this study provides opportunity for further exploration of spiritual variables that may provide deterrent value. Also, the findings on the impact of spirituality on coping behaviors are instrumental for further program deelopment. This study aims to further equip practitioners working with victims of domestic violence to better serve client needs.

Learning Objectives:

• Exploration of the specific dynamics of domestic violence in faith communities
• Discussion of the impact of spirituality/religiosity on domestic violence
• Understanding of the victims perspective on services as impacted by their specific religious needs
• Identification of further research questions that need to be considered in future studies

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Religion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation