Double Binding, Abusive Intimate Partner Relationships, and Pregnancy

Author： Lutz Kristin F. Curry Mary Ann Robrecht Linda C. Libbus M. Kay Bullock Linda

ISSN： 1705-7051

Source： CJNR (Canadian Journal of Nursing Research), Vol.38, Iss.4, 2006-12, pp. : 118-134

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to extend and integrate the process theories of abuse and becoming a mother in order to provide a contextually appropriate perspective for understanding women's behavioural responses to intimate partner abuse during pregnancy. Double binding is proposed as a construct for understanding intimate partner abuse during pregnancy. Double binding refers to the simultaneous and often conflicting psychological and social processes of binding-in to the unborn child and to the abusive intimate partner that women engage in as they perform the developmental tasks associated with becoming a mother while living with an abusive partner. This construct was developed through an inductive-deductive process using clinical experience, a literature review, and qualitative data from 2 studies of abuse during pregnancy. The authors conclude that double binding is a suitable lens through which to interpret pregnant women's behavioural responses to abuse. They offer suggestions regarding clinical practice and research to further develop appropriate interventions incorporating this construct.