Examining Race/Ethnicity, Social Support, and Psychological Distress Among Female Incarcerated Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Interviews were conducted with 112 incarcerated female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) to explore whether social support is associated with psychological distress, and whether race/ethnicity moderates this relationship. Controlling for physical and psychological abuse, sexual assault, injuries sustained from violence endured, and symptoms of substance-use disorders, a significant interaction was found. Simple slopes revealed that for women of color, social support is negatively associated with psychological distress, whereas for White women, no significant association was found. It is critical that women of color who experienced IPV be provided with opportunities to maintain contact with their support networks during incarceration.