Developing and testing a Christian-based program to address depression, anxiety, and stress in intimate partner violence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence is a global social and public health concern with multifaceted biopsychosocial, economic and legal repercussions. Depression, anxiety, and stress are high risk factors in the perpetration of partner abuse. Moreover, there is mounting evidence that an inverse relationship exists between religious commitment and crime or delinquency. Thus, a gender inclusive Christian-based intervention was designed, piloted and evaluated. The pre-posttest and follow-up measurements included administering the shortened Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale because these states often play a role in abusive behavior. Holistically, all the scores went down. The score for depression proved to be substantially statistically significant pre-posttest. The decrease in stress scores proved to be statistically significant post-follow-up and pre-post-follow-up. The study demonstrated that the Christian-based program succeeded in reducing depression, anxiety and stress and therefore holds promise to intervene in intimate partner violence.