Leaving the Cycle: Battling the Shadows and Healing from Intimate Partner Violence
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Authors
Thompson, Jennifer
Issue Date
2025-06-20
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
attachment theory , emotionally focused therapy (EFT) , intimate partner violence (IPV) , acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) , social constructionist theory
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone project explores intimate partner violence (IPV) through the dual lenses of attachment theory and social constructionism to illustrate the complex relationships between individual psychological processes and broader sociocultural dynamics. Drawing from both empirical literature and clinical case material, this work shows how attachment disruptions and internalized social narratives shape survivors’ identities, coping strategies, and recovery journeys. Particular attention is given to the experiences of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ2+ individuals and survivors impacted by cultural, racial, and systemic oppression. The discussion addresses implications for counsellors, families, organizations, and policymakers, emphasizing the necessity for trauma-informed, intersectional, and survivor-centered care. Recommendations for clinical, community, and policy levels, advocating for integrative therapeutic approaches, expanded support services, and systemic changes are included. Limitations include gaps in research around non-physical forms of abuse and diverse survivor populations. The capstone concludes by urging future research to focus on culturally grounded interventions, long-term recovery, and the impactful role of advocacy in healing. Through this work, the capstone aims to support more compassionate, just, and effective responses to IPV.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess