Abstract

Much of the extant literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) centers on immediate needs and crisis interventions for victims and survivors, and limited emphasis is placed on the long-term recovery process. Researchers have identified post-IPV romantic relationships as a topic in need of further investigation, but to date, little to no research has focused on romantic relationships post-IPV. The present investigation provides a thorough literature review on the topic of recovery from IPV, introduces a phenomenological investigation of survivors' experiences of considering or navigating new relationships during recovery from intimate partner violence, and discusses findings and implications for counselors and counselor educators. Research questions and sub-questions included, (1) What are the lived experiences of female survivors of IPV who are considering or navigating new intimate relationships, and (1a) What are the helping and hindering experiences of considering or navigating new intimate relationships? A phenomenological research methodology was utilized to answer the research questions. Interviews with 10 participants were the primary data collection source. Data analysis procedures followed recommendations by Moustakas (1994) and Colaizzi (1978). Research findings suggest that survivors engage in internal and psychological experiences as well as social and interpersonal experiences as they consider or navigate new relationships post-IPV. Internal and psychological experiences consisted of the following themes: (a) Reclaiming self through dating experiences, (b) Learning to trust self, (c) Difficulty trusting new partners, and (d) Facing other fears of dating. Interpersonal and social experiences consisted of (a) Exploring dating with new partners, (b) Sexual exploration as part of navigating new partners (c) Negotiating boundaries and use of control with new partners, (d) Communication and support of new partner, (e) Modeling of healthy relationships by others, and (f) Caring for and protecting children.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2016

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Robinson, Edward H. (Mike)

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Education and Human Performance

Degree Program

Education; Counselor Education

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0006102

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0006102

Language

English

Release Date

May 2016

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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