Social problem‐solving in intimate partner violence victims: Exploring the relative contributions of shame and PTSD symptoms

Abstract Objective This study examined the contributions of shame and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to two dimensions of social problem‐solving. Method A sample of 426 women who were seeking mental health assistance following experiences of intimate partner violence completed self‐report and clinician measures. Separate path analyses were conducted for problem orientation and problem‐solving styles. Results In the model examining problem orientation, higher levels of shame were significantly associated with lower levels of positive problem orientation ( f 2 = 0.32) and higher levels of negative problem orientation ( f 2 = 0.92), with large effects noted. PTSD symptoms were significantly, positively associated with negative problem orientation ( f 2 = 0.3, large effect). When examining problem‐solving styles, shame showed a significant negative association with rational style ( f 2 = 0.08, small effect) and significant positive associations with impulsive style ( f 2 = 0.45, large effect) and avoidant style ( f 2 = 0.48, large effect). PTSD symptoms did not return significant associations with any of the three problem‐solving styles. Conclusion Results indicate that shame holds notable associations with both dimensions of social problem‐solving, relative to PTSD symptoms, and are discussed in light of current models of post‐trauma functioning. Implications for clinical care and early intervention efforts are highlighted.