Emotional dependence and abuse against women in a populated center of Piura

Abstract

The objective of this research is to determine if there is a significant relationship between the variables emotional dependence and partner abuse in women from a Population Center of Piura, Peru. The instruments used to measure the variables were the Emotional Dependency Questionnaire (CDE) designed by Lemos and Londoño (2006) and the Partner Abuse Index created in 1981 by Hudson and McIntosh. The sample consisted of 126 women belonging to the Pozo de los Ramos Town Center, of which 81 were married and 45 cohabiting, between 18 and 70 years of age. The results obtained show that there are significant correlations between emotional dependence and partner abuse (rho = .410; p <.05) as well as each of the dimensions of the emotional dependence variable and the partner abuse variable: separation anxiety and partner abuse (rho = .357; p <.05), partner's affective expression and partner abuse (rho = .358; p <.05); modification of plans and partner abuse (rho = .330; p <.05); fear of loneliness and partner abuse (rho = .332; p <.05) and borderline expression and partner abuse (rho = .332; p <.05). However, no significant correlation was found between the dimension seeking care and partner abuse (rho = .203; p>.05). Therefore, it is concluded that dependent ideas, beliefs and behaviors tie women to a relationship of permanent submission to their respective partners, which creates an environment conducive to the development of manifestations of physical, psychological and sexual abuse.