The mediating role of response-focused emotion regulation strategies in intimate partner violence across the stages of change

Abstract

[EN]This study aimed to analyse emotion-focused coping strategies used by women victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) to deal with emotions arising from trauma, violence or abuse, following the Stages of Change (SOC) model. The sample included 200 victims of gender violence in Spain who had received formal assistance. Face-to-face interviews and standardized instruments were used. The results show significant differences in the use of emotion regulation strategies depending on women’s SOC phase: in earlier stages (precontemplation, contemplation), negative affectivity predominates, while in later stages (action, maintenance), positive affectivity plays a stronger role. Mediation analysis revealed that negative emotions may immobilize women in early stages but also facilitate effective coping in action stages, reducing the emotional impact of violence