Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College

College of Science and Health

First Advisor

Megan Greeson

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience similar to higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to the general population (Basile et al., 2020; Whitfield et al., 2021). Additionally, exposure to IPV has been linked to negative mental health outcomes including anxiety (Charak et al., 2019; Henry et al., 2021; Reuter et al., 2017; Strauss et al., 2020). One possible factor that may buffer against the negative effects of IPV on anxiety is social support. The theoretical model of the buffering effect of social support suggests that social support may “buffer” against the harmful mental health effects of stressful/traumatic experiences (Cohen & Wills, 1985). Using a sample of 336 SGM late adolescents and young adults assigned female at birth (AFAB), the purpose of the current study was to assess social support as a potential buffer of the relationship between IPV victimization and anxiety symptoms over time. As a longitudinal study, participants completed surveys that were administered six months apart. Results indicated that higher IPV was associated with less of a decrease in anxiety over time. Family social support and total (across family and peers) social support was associated with more of a decrease in anxiety over time. Social support did not buffer against the relationship between IPV and anxiety. Future research should consider other mental health outcomes social support may buffer. Findings also suggest that clinicians use an intensive approach to address IPV survivors’ mental health concerns over time, above and beyond what social support can provide on its own.

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