A Middle-Range Theory of Post-Trauma Syndrome in Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

Background: Violence against women is a persistent phenomenon with profound physical, emotional, and social consequences.Understanding its impact on mental health is essential for nursing practice, particularly in the diagnosis of Post-Trauma Syndrome.Objective: To develop a Middle-RangeTheory identifying the clinical elements and processes related to the NANDA-International nursing diagnosis Post-Trauma Syndrome (00141) in women exposed to violence.Methodology: Theoretical study based on the development of two systematic literature reviews, supported by Bell Hooks' Feminist Theory.Results: Thirteen antecedent elements were identified, such as physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, childhood trauma, low educational level, and inadequate social support.Fifteen consequent elements were also identified, including hopelessness, anxiety, insomnia, self-harm, and binge eating.Conclusion: The proposed theory enables a deeper understanding of Post-Trauma Syndrome in women victims of violence, providing relevant contributions to clinical nursing practice and more targeted, effective interventions.