Intimate Partner Violence, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among Korean female: A consideration of gender roles

Background

Associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health are well-known. However, little is known about the effects of gender roles on the relationships between IPV and mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation). This study aimed to examine moderating effects of gender roles on the associations between IPV and depressive symptoms, as well as IPV and suicidal ideation.

Methods

The present study included 4,659 married Korean women from the 2013 Korean Welfare Panel Study. A series of logistic regressions were applied to examine the associations between IPV and depressive symptoms (the 11-item version of CES-D), as well as IPV and suicidal ideation (y/n), and investigate the moderating effects of adherence of traditional gender roles (high, moderate, and low) on the associations, after controlling for socio- demographic characteristics, risky health behaviors (heavy drinking and smoking), and the presence of chronic diseases.

Results

Moderating effects of traditional gender roles were shown to be significant: women with a history of IPV who strongly adhere to their traditional gender role were more likely to have depressive symptoms (OR= 3.00, 95% CI=1.55-5.83) and have suicidal ideation (OR= 2.42, 95% CI=0.91-6.49) compared to women with a history of IPV who have less adhere to their traditional role.

Conclusion

Clinical and policy interventions for women with a history of IPV should pay more attention to women who strongly adhere to their traditional gender roles.