Investigation of the effects of exposure to violence and defence styles on depression in women

In this study, the impact of violence and defensive styles on depression of women exposed to violence was evaluated. In this context, data were collected from 105 women applying to non-governmental organizations in Malatya. The Personal Data Sheet, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) were used as tools for measuring. BDI mean scores of women were found as 20.3. A negative correlation was found between the age of first exposure to violence and the BDI scores. It was found that the BDI scores of women who use mature defence forms at a high level were lower than those of women who use low levels; and the BDI scores of women who use primitive defence forms at a high level were higher than those of women who use low levels. Those who are exposed to high levels of violence and those who are exposed to high levels of violence and those who are exposed to high levels of neurotic defense against others of their spouses have been found to be at a more risky position in terms of BDI scores.