Social support and anxiety in women victims of violence

Abstract

This study aimed to measure anxiety levels in relation to lack of social support. The hypothesis was that women who had social support had less anxiety than those who did not. Two instruments were used. First, the PAI Personality Test, through which the scales of social support and anxiety were measured, which allowed to determine the relationship between these two variables (using Spearman's correlation). And, secondly, a survey was carried out to obtain qualitative data in relation to the two constructs. For data processing, the statistical program Statgraphics Centurion was used. The results of the study showed the presence of high levels of anxiety in some of the women of the sample, especially in cognitive and physiological anxiety; also the relation between the lack of social support and emotional anxiety was verified and, it was possible to be observed that, the main networks of social support of the women of this sample are: the family, friends or specialists. In conclusion, social support can be considered a protective factor to reduce anxiety in women victims of violence in this concrete group, in Ecuador.