Psychological Impact of Gender-Based Violence: A Study on Trauma, Coping Mechanisms, and Mental Health Outcomes

Abstract

GBV is widespread human rights violation and public health issue globally and pandemic in the South Asia including Pakistan. Although the wounds are often visible in GBV, the mental health impact, which comprise trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression, is equally devastating and long-lasting. In this context, GBV mental health pathway including trauma, coping and its effects on mental health of survivors is discussed with reference to Pakistani society. It is a quantitative cross-sectional study of 350 GBV survivors (250 females and 100 males) who were sampled in NG0s, clinics, and crisis centers. The IES (trauma), Brief COPE (coping strategies) and DASS-21 (depression, anxiety, stress) standardized psychological measures were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis, ANOVA, and regression in the SPSS. The findings showed that the mean scores on trauma (M=3.92), anxiety (M=3.72), and stress (M=3.68) were high in the sense that the psychosocial health of GBV survivors is strongly influenced. Increased application of social support/spirituality (adaptive coping (M = 3.58) and maladaptive coping (M = 2.87) that led to adverse outcomes. Some gender differences could be observed; women were more likely to use coping strategies, but also suffered more from depression than men, indicating the “double oppression” of violence/stigmatization under which these women have lived. Regression also demonstrated that coping response was the best predictor of psychological reaction (R2 = 0.38), such that adaptive coping was related to less distress and maladaptive coping to greater distress. GBV must be recognised as a mental health crisis, social challenge and legal issue, the study recommends. The guidance promotes trauma-informed responses, gender-responsive institutions and community-based responses that build resilience and reduce stigma.