Perceptions of Boundary Ambiguity in the Process of Leaving An Abusive Partner

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Journal / Book Title

Family Process

Abstract

The process of leaving an abusive partner has been theorized using the Stages of Change Model. Although useful, this model does not account for changes in relational boundaries unique to the process of leaving. Using family stress and feminist perspectives, this study sought to integrate boundary ambiguity into the Stages of Change Model. Boundary ambiguity is defined as a perception of uncertainty as to who is in or out of a family system (Boss & Greenberg, 1984). Twenty-five mothers who had temporarily or permanently left their abusers were interviewed. Data were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory methods. Results identify types, indicators of, and mothers' responses to boundary ambiguity throughout the five stages of change. Most mothers and abusers fluctuated between physical and psychological presence and absence over multiple separations. The integration of boundary ambiguity into the Stages of Change Model highlights the process of leaving an abusive partner as systemic, fluid, and nonlinear.

DOI

10.1111/famp.12104

Published Citation

Khaw, L. and Hardesty, J.L. (2015), Perceptions of Boundary Ambiguity in the Process of Leaving an Abusive Partner. Fam. Proc., 54: 327-343. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12104

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