Regulatory focus, coping strategies and mental health among women who are exposed to violence

Previous research has demonstrated that there is a relationship between psychological violence and its negative effects on women's mental health. The aim of current research is to investigate relationship between psychological violence and psychological health by exploring moderating role of regulatory focus and mediating role of coping strategies. 293 women who are living in different part of Turkey have taken part in this research. Firstly, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory and Regulatory Focus Inventory were presented. Sequentially, the Profile of Psychological Abuse Inventory, the Ways of Coping with Stress Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory were completed by participants. It is found that there is a relationship between psychological violence that women have exposed and sexist thoughts that they have. Moreover, depression and anxiety have predicted with psychological violence, in addition to that psychological violence has a negative relationship with active coping strategies. When regulatory focus has been taken into account it is found that people who are acting with appropriate strategies for themselves are less likely to experience depression and anxiety like symptoms. As a result of the findings, low promotion focus motivation and low active coping strategies are significantly associated with disposition to depression. However, it is observed that acting with low prevention focus motivation and if both coping strategies are chosen in a low level, anxiety level is increasing. Therefore, women with prevention focus choose neither active coping strategies nor passive coping strategies which is a risk factor for a women's mental health. Keywords: Psychological Violence, Regulatory Focus, Coping Strategies, Women's Mental Health