Intimate Partner Violence, Social Support and Psychological Distress among University Female University Students

ABSTRACT: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a pervasive and concerning social issue that affects individuals worldwide, transcending various demographic groups. The consequences of IPV extend far beyond the immediate victims, impacting families, communities, and society. Among the most vulnerable groups affected by IPV are university female students. This study aimed to investigate the link between Intimate partner violence, social support, and psychological distress among university female students. The study employed a quantitative approach which was correlational in nature, with a sample of 377 adult female university student as a sample size from Makerere University. Stratified sampling method was used to select respondents where self-report questionnaires were used. Data was collected using a self-report structured questionnaire. Data was entered into SPSSV23 and analyzed using Pearson correlations, for hypothesis 1, 2, and 3, and PROCESS macro by and Hayes was used for hypothesis 4. Results indicated that all the three components of intimate partner violence (severe combined abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse) are significantly related to psychological distress (r=.141, p<0.01; r=.210, p<.000; r=.183, p<0.05). Also, results indicated a negative significant relationship between social support and psychological distress (r=-.314, p<0.05). In addition, results indicated a negative significant relationship between two components of intimate partner violence (emotional abuse; physical abuse) and social support (r=-.167, p<0.05; r=-.0185, p<0.05). However, the results indicated a non-significant relationship between severe combined abuse and social support. Lastly, the results showed that social support partially mediates the relationship between intimate partner violence and psychological distress among Makerere university female students. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of intimate partner violence, social support, and psychological distress among university students.

KEYWORDS: Intimate Partner Violence, Social Support and Psychological Distres