The impact of partner psychological abuse on health behaviors and health status in college women.

Previous research documents increased health problems, somatic complaints, and negative health behaviors among victims of physical and sexual violence. This study extended existing literature by examining the unique effects of partner psychological abuse on physical health and the moderating effects of approach and avoidance coping strategies. Psychological abuse was positively related to illegal drug use, physical and role limitations, negative health perceptions, and cognitive impairment in college women even after controlling for physical victimization. Psychological abuse was not related to sleep hygiene, exercise, problem drinking, or smoking. Approach coping moderated the effects of partner psychological abuse on binge drinking and health perceptions. Low approach coping was associated with more binge drinking and negative health perceptions as abuse increased; high approach coping did not show a significant relationship with binge drinking or health perceptions across levels of abuse. Avoidance coping showed only a trend as a moderator of illegal drugs.