Desvalorização afetiva por parceiro íntimo em mulheres vítimas de relacionamento emocionalmente abusivo

Emotionally abusive relationships by intimate partners are dysfunctional romantic relationships. In these relationships, feelings of emotional devaluation may be present, especially in women. This study investigated the characterization, occurrence and emotional repercussions of this devaluation based on the experience of 12 young women who were victims of emotional violence by an intimate partner. This is a qualitative study using Thematic Analysis. Three themes were identified: 1) Romantic Jealousy, 2) Diminution/Inferiority and 3) Loss of identity. The results indicate that affective devaluation is found in the dynamics of emotionally abusive relationships, and is marked by factors in which the victim is exposed to feelings of romantic discredit, inferiority in relation to the partner and loss of identity. Such dynamics are harmful to women’s mental health as they bring serious emotional repercussions, such as emotional exhaustion, insecurity, the feeling of not being good enough and self-degradation.