The structural equations modeling of post-traumatic stress disorder based on Stockholm syndrome with the mediating role of coping strategies in battered women

The aim of this study was to find the effect of Stockholm syndrome on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with mediation of coping strategies in battered women. Samples were collected from all married women within age range between 18 to 60 years and victims of domestic violence who have referred to Health Centers, Social Emergency, Public Family Court-Bench 1 and number of Psychology and Counseling Centers of Tehran Province to fill in the questionnaires. Accessible sampling method was used in this research work. The research tools consisted of: Stockholm Syndrome Scale (Graham et al. 1995), Civilian Mississippi Scale Test for PTSD (Keane et al. 1987), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (Endler and Parker, 1990) and questionnaire of domestic violence against women (Tabrizi et al. 2012). A structural equation modeling has been used in the present research in order to analyze data. The results showed that Stockholm syndrome directly affects PTSD in battered women. The results also showed that there is a significant indirect effect between Stockholm syndrome and PTSD mediated by coping methods in battered women. Finally, findings revealed that there is an indirectly meaningful relationship between “Stockholm syndrome and PTSD” with mediation of coping mechanisms in battered women.