Differentiating Factors of Battered Women Syndrome and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Battered Wives: A Systematic Literature Review

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Joji Joseph1 and Rodel P. Canlas2 (The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines1,2 and Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines2)

Battered women are frequently subjected to constant fear and threats, resulting in battered woman syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study aimed to identify differentiating factors between battered women syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder among battered wives. The source of the research was based on five databases: EBSCO, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Academic keys, Scopus, and also a “hand search” procedure of related magazines and newspapers. The articles used for this study were published between 2011 and 2021 and focused on battered women. The phrase “battered woman syndrome” is frequently used to describe the experiences that arise from being abused. The legal system uses the term “battered woman syndrome” to explain a woman’s mental condition and motivations for attacking or killing her abuser, which is not included in the standard classification of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Battered woman syndrome carries some minor symptoms of PTSD and develops in women who are the victims of battering. Although it includes some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, battered woman syndrome varies from post-traumatic stress disorder in several ways. Little research has focused on battered women syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder among battered women. Findings from this review literature study indicate that both are different factors among female victims of domestic violence and they are in need of mental health services and supports.