The process of ending abuse in intimate relationships: A qualitative exploration of the transtheoretical model

This article explores the suggestion that the transtheoretical model of behavior change is a promising conceptual framework for understanding how women end abuse in their intimate relationships. In-depth interviews were conducted with 78 women who were either currently in or had recently left abusive relationships. Women talked about the following five stages of behavior change: (a) nonrecognition (precontemplation), (b) acknowledgment (contemplation), (c) consideration of options (preparation), (d) selection of actions (action), and (e) use of safety strategies to remain free from abuse (maintenance). These results suggest that the model is consistent with how women describe surviving their abusive situations, and they have implications for both research and practice.