Psychological intimate partner abuse among Chinese women: What we know and what we still need to know

Abstract

Although increasing attention has been given to psychological abuse in intimate partner relationships, relatively little is known about this complex problem among Chinese women. A better understanding of psychological abuse in Chinese intimate relationships is warranted because Chinese culture is shame-oriented. Women, therefore, may be more susceptible to shameful feelings induced by psychological abuse. This may explain why psychological abuse, in the absence of physical and/or sexual abuse, has such adverse mental health effects on Chinese women. In this paper, what is known about psychological abuse in Chinese intimate relationships and what still needs to be known are highlighted, together with the mental health impact. Implications for future research are also presented.