Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Education
Program
Education
Supervisor
Dr. Susan Rodger
Abstract
Relationships between strength of social support networks, level of self-efficacy, and mental health of women who have experienced abuse were examined from a sample of women who were enrolled in an adult education centre to complete their high school diploma. Participants completed interviews that consisted of questions obtained from a variety of measures and questionnaires, including two separate measures of social support. Level and type of social support were found to be related to factors such as self-efficacy and mental health, with those who had weaker support networks reporting lower levels of self-efficacy and more severe symptoms of depression. Level of social support was predicted by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, self-efficacy, violence, and coping skills, which accounted for 60.5% of the variance in Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire total functional support. These findings support previous research on the role of social support as a protective factor for those experiencing negative life events.
Recommended Citation
Ross, Shannon B., "Social Support, Self-Efficacy and Mental Health of Female Survivors of Abuse" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4703.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4703