%0 Journal Article %J J Interpers Violence %D 2010 %T Person-oriented methods in partner violence research: distinct biopsychosocial profiles among battered women. %A Nurius, Paula S %A Macy, Rebecca J %K Aggression %K Battered Women %K Crime Victims %K Female %K Humans %K Incidence %K Internal-External Control %K Interpersonal Relations %K Multivariate Analysis %K Personality Assessment %K Qualitative Research %K Research Design %K Risk Factors %K Spouse Abuse %K Vulnerable Populations %K Women's Health %X

Violence researchers have called for the use of person-oriented methods to understand differences that have been found in biopsychosocial consequences among those who experience intimate partner violence (IPV). To address this issue, we apply a person-oriented statistical method, latent profile analysis (LPA), to test for meaningful subgroups of a sample of 448 battered women based on participants' appraisals of their vulnerability relative to their violent partner, depressive symptoms, physical injuries, overall physical health functioning, and their positive and negative social relationships with friends and family. The LPA established five significantly distinct subgroups. Using MANOVA, we examined these subgroups and their respective IPV exposure, both concomitant and separate incidents within the past year. Those with the most intensive violence exposure show the greatest level of challenge and impairment. However, the groups with comparable levels of IPV exposure manifest distinctly different configurations of biopsychosocial profiles, indicating a need for adaptive interventions commensurate with these profiles. We discuss the implications these findings have for developing adaptive interventions for battered women, as well as the potential utility of person-oriented tools for violence researchers.

%B J Interpers Violence %V 25 %P 1064-93 %8 2010 Jun %G eng %N 6 %R 10.1177/0886260509340541 %0 Journal Article %J J Interpers Violence %D 2008 %T Heterogeneity among violence-exposed women: applying person-oriented research methods. %A Nurius, Paula S %A Macy, Rebecca J %K Battered Women %K Crime Victims %K Cultural Characteristics %K Female %K Humans %K Interpersonal Relations %K Male %K Medical History Taking %K Models, Psychological %K Qualitative Research %K Research Design %K Social Environment %K Spouse Abuse %K Women's Health %X

Variability of experience and outcomes among violence-exposed people pose considerable challenges toward developing effective prevention and treatment protocols. To address these needs, the authors present an approach to research and a class of methodologies referred to as person oriented. Person-oriented tools support assessment of meaningful patterns among people that distinguish one group from another, subgroups for whom different interventions are indicated. The authors review the conceptual base of person-oriented methods, outline their distinction from more familiar variable-oriented methods, present descriptions of selected methods as well as empirical applications of person-oriented methods germane to violence exposure, and conclude with discussion of implications for future research and translation between research and practice. The authors focus on violence against women as a population, drawing on stress and coping theory as a theoretical framework. However, person-oriented methods hold utility for investigating diversity among violence-exposed people's experiences and needs across populations and theoretical foundations.

%B J Interpers Violence %V 23 %P 389-415 %8 2008 Mar %G eng %N 3 %R 10.1177/0886260507312297