Abstract

Brain injury resulting from intimate partner violence is a pervasive and complex issue with substantial health and social consequences for women globally. Therefore, findings from this review aim to summarize and review the intersection of intimate partner violence-related acquired brain injury among women. This review gives particular attention to the following inquiries: (a) How prevalent is a brain injury resulting from intimate partner violence? (b) What are the risk factors and correlates (i.e., demographic, age, socio-economic status) of brain injuries among survivors of intimate partner violence? (c) What symptoms of brain injuries are observed in survivors of intimate partner violence? (d) How is screening and assessment for brain injuries being approached in women subjected to intimate partner violence? The results from this integrative systematic review demonstrate a wide range in the reported prevalence of intimate partner violence-related acquired brain injury. Studies in this review focused little on the impact of race, ethnicity, and social determinants. The demographics of the participants did not reflect the current literature that individuals from marginalized identities are disproportionally targets of severe IPV. Women at least age 20 and women who were married or lived with their partners seem to be at increased risk for IPV-related acquired brain injury. Outcomes of brain injury in this population include psychological, neurocognitive, and behavioral changes even when controlling for significant sociodemographic factors, PTSD, and severity of assaults. All studies incorporated self-report questionnaires and structured or semi-structured interviews. There are no universal methods for screening and assessment of IPV-related acquired brain injury.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Brain damage—Women; Intimate partner violence

Date of Award

2024

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Thema S. Bryant-Davis

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Psychology Commons

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