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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3031.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 9:04 AM

Abstract #116517

Unique perspectives: Advantages of using qualitative methods to explore the experiences of African-American survivors of intimate partner violence

Katherine E. Morrison, MS, PhD, Stone Center, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, 781-283-2889, kmorriso@wellesley.edu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has purported that intimate partner violence (IPV) is a tremendous threat to the health and well-being of women. Research suggests that African-American women are at increased risk for experiencing IPV. However, victimization within this population has been largely overlooked by the scientific community. While quantitative design has provided a strong foundation for understanding IPV, this methodology is limited in its capacity to explore racial and cultural nuances that influence IPV. Such an investigation is essential since the reasons behind why IPV emerges may be different for each community. Gaining insight concerning IPV among African-Americans requires the implementation of methodology that allows for the exploration of the community's thoughts and attitudes toward IPV. Qualitative methodology allows participants to relate their own understanding of a phenomenon. Through this type of research methodology, public health preventive and intervention efforts may be enhanced. This presentation shares results of a qualitative investigation. Data are reported from 15 interviews with African-American women who were self-identified as having survived IPV. All of the interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using text-based software to assist with coding of data. Analysis showed emergent themes among interviews, including insights concerning the influence of racism on help-seeking, participants perceptions of attitudes of their immediate African-American social networks, and the influence of the uniquely Afrocentric concept of the ‘Strong Black Woman'.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to

    Keywords: African American, Violence

    Related Web page: www.wcwonline.org/keypeople/morrison.html

    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.

    Intimate Partner Violence

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA