Perceived Helplessness as a Mediator Between Domestic Violence and PTSD Symptoms in Women

Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of perceived helplessness in the relationship between domestic violence and PTSD symptoms among women. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational research design was employed, involving a sample of 425 women from France selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing domestic violence (CTS2), perceived helplessness (PSS subscale), and PTSD symptoms (PCL-5). Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive and inferential statistics and AMOS-21 for structural equation modeling (SEM). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess bivariate relationships, and the SEM approach was used to test the mediating effect of perceived helplessness on PTSD outcomes. Findings: The results revealed significant positive correlations between domestic violence and perceived helplessness (r = .53, p < .001), domestic violence and PTSD symptoms (r = .59, p < .001), and perceived helplessness and PTSD symptoms (r = .61, p < .001). The SEM analysis demonstrated good model fit (χ² = 104.38, df = 48, χ²/df = 2.17, GFI = .96, CFI = .97, RMSEA = .051). All direct paths were significant: domestic violence to perceived helplessness (β = .53, p < .001), domestic violence to PTSD symptoms (β = .41, p < .001), and perceived helplessness to PTSD symptoms (β = .48, p < .001). The indirect effect of domestic violence on PTSD symptoms via perceived helplessness was also significant (β = .25, p < .001), confirming the mediating role. Conclusion: The findings indicate that perceived helplessness is a key psychological mechanism through which domestic violence contributes to PTSD symptoms in women. Addressing helplessness in therapeutic and policy interventions may be essential for reducing trauma-related distress in survivors of intimate partner violence.