Anger State Assessment of Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue, with approximately one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence from their partners. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and types of IPV in Ordu, to identify victim and perpetrator risk factors, and to investigate the relationship between IPV and anger expression styles by comparing IPV victims with a control group. IPV risk was determined using the HITS (Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream) screening tool (≥ 10 score defining the case group), and participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Trait Anger-Anger Expression Style Scale. While the overall Trait Anger-Anger Expression Style Scale scores did not differ significantly between IPV victims and controls (t = 1.54, p > 0.05), IPV victims exhibited significantly higher trait anger scores (t = 2.01, p = 0.04). Our findings suggest that IPV victims internalize anger rather than expressing it outwardly, particularly in cases of economic and sexual violence. This internalization may be influenced by sociocultural norms and economic vulnerabilities, leading to psychological distress and difficulty in emotional regulation.