Facilitating disclosure in psychologically abused women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify from the woman's point of view what factors facilitate or inhibit disclosure of psychological abuse. Physical and psychological symptoms arise from this abuse and women are reluctant to disclose the underlying cause. This is a significant problem for every specialty in the nursing profession. A qualitative study using grounded theory was conducted with four research participants from domestic violence shelters. The results suggest contextual and behavioral factors in the disclosure process and give descriptive supporting data of related concepts. A conceptual model for the disclosure process is proposed.