[Domestic violence in Iceland: Gender differences, associations with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, stress, happiness and social support].

Abstract

Previous research: has shown that domestic violence is related to more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, stress and anxiety, and lower happiness, and that social support can be crucial for survivors. However, limited research has been carried out on this topic in Iceland, particularly comparing men and women. The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between domestic violence victimization and symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress, as well as happiness in a sample of Icelandic men and women, and to examine the role of social support.

Material and methods: A random sample was drawn from the Icelandic National Register and 1766 individuals responded to a survey (mean age 49 years). They were asked questions about lifetime domestic violence victimization, as well as questions about their current symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress and happiness, and social support from friends and family. We tested relationships between victimization, symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress, happiness and social support, as well as whether they were moderated by gender.

Results: 15% of participants had experienced domestic violence, which was more common among women (20%) than men (10%). Domestic violence survivors had significantly greater symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress and lower happiness than non-victimized people, but this effect depended on sex. Women survivors reported significantly greater symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety andstress and lower happiness, and poorer social support than other women, and men survivors reported greater symptoms of PTSD, depression and stress, lower happiness and lower family support than other men. It should be noted that all group means were below clinical cutoff scores. Social support was related to lower symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress, as well as greater happiness.

Conclusion: A considerable portion of the Icelandic population has experienced domestic violence, which is related to greater symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress, and lower happiness. It is important to systematically intervene to boost social support, especially among survivors of domestic violence.