Degree Name

MALS (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies)

Program

Liberal Studies

Date of Award

12-2020

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Marie Tedesco

Committee Members

Jill Leroy-Frazier, Phyllis Thompson

Abstract

Female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria endure harsh and traumatic experiences that affect their rights as women and their well-being. As the phenomenon of IPV persists in Nigeria, it is not only a family problem but a critical social and psychological problem. This study examined Nigerian female survivors’ hidden strength, agency, and resilience, rather than their powerlessness and vulnerability. Analysis of survey questionnaires, interviews, and secondary scholarship reveals that some Nigerian female survivors of IPV are able to cope whilst navigating stressful and traumatic experiences. The results also show that survivors’ ability to thrive and cope under stress not only results from individual traits and use of agency, but also from external support. This study infers sociocultural change and female empowerment. The results propose a need for interventions and further research on the development of the concept of resilience in female Nigerian survivors of IPV.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Share

COinS