| Summary: | This thesis provides a broad and diverse investigation into the field of intimate partner violence (IPV) within the LGBT community. A range of methods were used to explore issues in this field, these included a systematic review, a critical review of a psychometric measure used in this research, a primary quantitative investigation and a secondary mixed methods investigation. The chapters follow a ‘golden thread’ of the examination of psychological abuse, however they are diverse enough to remain independent studies in their own rights.
Following an introduction to this thesis in Chapter One, Chapter Two reviews prevalence rates of IPV in non-heteronormative relationships. The results of this review indicate that IPV, be that physical, sexual or psychological, occurs in the relationships of those identifying as LGBT at similar, if not elevated, rates to those in heteronormative relationships, which will have potential implications for service provision and interventions. This review clearly finds that there is no unified definition of IPV and this will have impacts on the consistency and comparability of research in this area.
Chapter Three evaluates the Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse (MMEA; Murphy and Hoover, 1999), which was a psychometric measure used in Chapter’s Three and Four. This assessment indicates satisfactory support for the validity and reliability of the MMEA.
Chapter Four utilises correlation and regression analysis to investigate the associations between personality traits, including Dark Triad (DT) traits, and the perpetration of IPV, specifically psychological abuse, for those in the LGBT community. Associations were found between both general and DT personality traits, and the perpetration of psychological abuse.
Chapter Five explores the experiences of individuals seeking help for IPV (either the perpetration or victimisation thereof). The principals of Thematic Analysis were employed through this study; an approach chosen due to the exploratory nature of this research. Two areas were discussed: (1) the quality of the help received and (2) the barriers to seeking help. Recurrent themes reflected the disparity of experiences (from supportive to dismissive) and highlighted key LGBT specific issues with seeking help.
Finally, Chapter Six provides a conclusion and close to this thesis, drawing together the implications of this research.
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