Correlates of Readiness to Change in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a social problem associated with significant morbidity; however, victims don't always utilize treatment and resources. One's readiness to change may be one variable impacting their pursuit of treatment and other resources. The current study investigated correlates of readiness to change, and readiness to change's impact on treatment utilization. Data was collected from 223 women residing in battered women's shelters. Correlational analyses find that generally victims with more psychopathology and distress, as well as more social support, were more ready to change. PTSD symptoms, overall distress, and social support were the strongest predictors of readiness to change. Finally, victims higher in readiness to change were more likely to seek mental health treatment and other IPV-related services.