Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Linnea Mavrides, Psy.D

Second Advisor

Eva Feindler, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Ruth Nirenberg, Psy.D.

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is the developmental period between ages 18 to 25 where individuals begin to explore their worldviews and develop intimate relationships. This period is important for developing a sense of identity and self (Arnett, 2000, 2014). During this period, negative events or relationships, such as intimate partner violence (IPV), may have detrimental effects (Erikson, 1968; Barreto & Frazier, 2012). While literature suggests that IPV has high rates and negative consequences in emerging adulthood (Bhattacharjee & Gopal, 2022; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024; Shen & Kusunoki, 2019), there is little research on the subjective experience of females who experience IPV during this period. The aim of the current study was to explore the effect of the lived experience of IPV that occurs during emerging adulthood to understand its impact. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with females who experienced IPV during emerging adulthood. These interviews were coded and analyzed using the Auerbach and Silverstein (2003) method and yielded the following constructs: 1) IPV is sustained through systemic manipulation and internalized blame; 2) IPV during emerging adulthood causes a disruption in developing a sense of self and often leads to a divergence from one’s expected life path; 3) IPV has negative consequences for survivors and creates barriers to future intimacy; 4) Survivors harness external validation and support when leaving and healing from IPV; and 5) Survivors make meaning and experience healing through reclaiming agency and becoming advocates. Findings reveal that abuse disrupts identity, life trajectories, and relational functioning, while support and meaning-making allow survivors to reclaim agency and heal. This study provides groundwork for understanding the lived experience of IPV in emerging adulthood and has implications for clinicians and researchers seeking to support survivors’ healing and future relationship development.

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