Cognitive distortions refer to erroneous or unrealistic interpretations that usually appear in stressful situations, such as gender violence. In these cases, women's distortion of reality makes it difficult for them to recognize and perceive the seriousness of the violence, which is an obstacle to breaking off the relationship. Women's exposure to gender-based violence has serious consequences for their physical and mental health. Consequently, they need to identify the violence and make decisions that favor their well-being.
Therefore, researchers from the Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center of the University of Granada (UGR) at the Social Psychology and Gender Lab have conducted a systematic review of the literature to explore, synthesize and analyze the available evidence on cognitive distortions and decision-making in women victims of gender violence.
For this purpose, a search without time limits was conducted in the databases Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest, with the aim of identifying relevant studies related to the topic. The results obtained were analyzed in accordance with the guidelines of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) statement. Finally, 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed.
Among the main cognitive distortions presented by the victims of gender violence, we find:
- Self-blame.
- Low attribution of responsibility to the aggressor.
- Minimization or denial of violence or harm.
- Normalization of violence.
- Denial or loss of self.
- A false sense of internal control is perceived as control over the situation.
- Hope for change.
- Beliefs of "partner savior" or "should" in the relationship.
- Denial of other emotional options besides the partner.
- Focus on positive aspects of the violent relationship.
All of these have been related to the maintenance of the gender violence relationship. In other words, the aforementioned cognitive distortions trap women in violent relationships, making it difficult for them to leave.
Taken together, these findings show the importance of continuing to study in depth the role of cognitive distortions as psychological mechanisms that influence women's permanence in violent relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to favor an adjusted perception of the reality experienced by women involved in violent relationships, preventing them from becoming trapped in relational dynamics that are harmful to their physical, emotional and psychological integrity.
Reference
Badenes-Sastre, M., Medinilla-Tena, P., Spencer, C. M., & Expósito, F. (2025). Cognitive Distortions and Decision-Making in Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Scoping Review. Psychosocial Intervention, 34(1), 23-35. https://doi.org/10.5093/pi2025a3
Contact
Marta Badenes Sastre (mbsastre@ugr.es)
Patricia Medinilla Tena (@email)
Francisca Expósito Jiménez (fexposit@ugr.es)