Date of Graduation

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Psychological Science

Advisor/Mentor

Bridges, Ana

Committee Member

Behrend, Douglas

Second Committee Member

Bustamante, Juan J.

Third Committee Member

Warren, Ron

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to physical, sexual, or psychological abuse within an intimate relationship. It is a global issue, particularly for women in developing countries where data show higher rates of IPV for these women than in developed countries. IPV can lead to physical harm, chronic health problems, and even death. It also has negative effects on mental health, economic stability, and the overall well-being of the woman and their children. Family size has been shown to be a predictor of IPV risk; women from larger families face a higher risk. Cash transfer programs in developing countries have been found to lead to reductions in rates of IPV experienced by women. This study analyzes data from one of these transfer programs in Ecuador to explore the relation between family size, IPV risk, and transfer efficacy. Logistic regression techniques are employed to determine how IPV risk changes with family size and whether scaled resource transfer distributions based on family size are beneficial. Women receiving resource transfers experienced greater reductions in IPV than women in the control group. Family size was found not to predict IPV risk, and also did not moderate the relation between transfers and IPV. The findings suggest that a scaled distribution of resource transfers might not be as critical when considering program design and implementation. This study demonstrates the complex nature of IPV, but more importantly sheds light on possible mechanisms for comprehensively addressing the issue and continuing research.

Keywords

Intimate Partner Violence; Cash Transfers; Family Size; Poverty

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