Christian Churches and the Prevention of Preadolescent Aggression and Violence in Puerto Rico: Regional Leaders' Perspective.

Preadolescents' involvement in religious congregations may serve as a distal protective factor against aggression. Interviews were conducted to explore Puerto Rico (PR) Christian church and faith-based organization (FBO) leaders' knowledge and perceptions about preadolescent violence, and the role of congregations in its prevention. Bullying was perceived as the most common type of aggression among PR preadolescents. Education, positive role modeling, and relationships with pro-social adults are considered important in its prevention. While willing to engage in violence prevention efforts, congregations may possess limited knowledge on the topic and its relevance. Findings can help inform the development of collaborative research and prevention efforts at the family and community levels.

Depression in Women Who Have Left Violent Relationships: The Unique Impact of Frequent Emotional Abuse.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure has been associated with poor mental health outcomes for victims, but fewer studies have examined the unique contributions of emotional abuse to mental health. This study explored the contextual relationships between the type and frequency of IPV, community factors, and emotional health. Data were collected from a community-based IPV intervention program. Logistic regression found an increased likelihood of depression for respondents who experienced emotional abuse more than once per week (odds ratio [OR] = 4.864) and were worried about contact by the abuser (OR = 5.898). Results indicate the need for specific policy and practice attention to this issue.

Women's experiences, emotional responses, and perceptions of care after emergency peripartum hysterectomy: a qualitative survey of women from 6 months to 3 years postpartum.

BACKGROUND: Little is known of the experience and perceptions of care for survivors of emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH), an obstetric event that is increasing in incidence. We sought to explore women's experiences of EPH to make recommendations for care. METHODS: This qualitative study utilized purposive sampling through an online support group of women who experienced EPH. Eligible participants were at least 18 years old, had their hysterectomy at least 6 months but no more than 3 years before the interview, had a surviving infant associated with the delivery, and did not report suicidal ideation. In-depth, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted and analyzed using Constant Comparative Analysis. Kappa statistics assessed interrater reliability for two independent coders. RESULTS: Fifteen women participated with a mean age of 32.5 years. Most had a cesarean section, with uterine atony as the most common indication for EPH. Kappa statistics indicated near-perfect interrater agreement between two coders, ranging from .82 to .89. Seven major themes were identified: fear; pain; death and dying; numbness or delay in emotional reaction; bonding with baby; communication; and the need for information. Psychological upset occurred postpartum and was often delayed. A major finding is the need for additional follow-up visits to address the emotional after-effects and to fill in gaps in women's understanding and memory of what had occurred. CONCLUSION: Understanding women's experiences with EPH can help practitioners address not only women's initial complications but provide needed long-term support.

Is adolescent sibling violence a precursor to college dating violence?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether experiencing sibling violence in adolescence is a significant predictor for later dating violence. The influence of parent-to-child and parent-to-parent violence is also explored. METHODS: A modified version of the CTS2 was administered to community college students. The survey instrument used the CTS2 psychological and physical assault subscales. RESULTS: Adolescent sibling violence was a predictor for college dating violence. Males reported experiencing more sibling violence than females did, but females reported experiencing more dating violence, both as perpetrators and victims. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to improve understanding of the reasons for and the long-term consequences of sibling violence.