Abstract

This study examined the effects of psychological/physical abuse on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 177 married women. Many empirical studies have showed that psychological abuse can be as harmful as physical abuse. In order to clarify the effects of psychological abuse on PTSD, we attempted to investigate the independent effect of psychological abuse after statistically controlling for the effects of physical abuse. This study also examined shame and guilt as important affective experiences in the development of PTSD in abused women and social support as a moderator for PTSD symptoms. Result indicated that both psychological and physical abuse predicted PTSD symptoms significantly and that psychological abuse was a significantly independent predictor of PTSD symptoms even after controlling for the effects of physical abuse. In addition, psychological abuse was related to PTSD symptoms moderated by shame but not by guilt. Social support was not significant moderator between abuse and PTSD symptoms. However, support from family among social supports was negatively correlated with PTSD symptoms. Results suggest that clinician need to give a first priority to eliminating shame that abused women may have. Preventive programs focusing not only on physical abuse but also psychological abuse are need.