| The purpose of this study was to examine mindfulness meditation and its therapeutics effects on female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). IPV is a national epidemic and a national public health priority (Black, et al., 2011). Extensive research documents the emotional and psychological consequences of IPV; however, the basis of treatment remains an array of counseling techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the development of safety plans. To date, no research studies have examined the potential application of complementary and alternative therapies, such as mindfulness meditation, for IPV survivors (Whitaker, Baker, and Arias, 2006).;Survivors suffer from low self-esteem, self deprecating behaviors, feelings of overwhelming helplessness, and feelings of having lost themselves. Of importance is the ability of survivors to gain clarity in the midst of their crisis. This study utilizes individual training in guided mindfulness meditation with IPV survivors to explore the potential for mindfulness meditation to reduce the symptoms of trauma experienced by survivors. A sample of ten women participated in six weeks of mindfulness meditation classes with all completing the entire six weeks. A concurrent mixed study design was utilized to cross-validate findings. Qualitative measures were used through a combination of interviews and journaling. Quantitative measures included three self-report instruments; the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the PTSD Symptoms Scale (PCL-10), and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). Pre and post within group comparisons using one-sided dependent t tests indicated a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms and a significant increase in participant's level of mindfulness. Measures taken to assure validity and quality control included participant input. Through interviews participants disclosed the benefits they derived from meditation practice and shared their personal experiences with the practice. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (Smith et al., 1999) was used as the methodological approach to analyze the qualitative data, along with Colaizzi's (1978) method of thematic analysis. The study contributes to the field of psychological trauma and intimate partner violence.;KEY WORDS: intimate partner violence, domestic violence, mindfulness, meditation, trauma, PTSD. |
