Help-seeking in rural mothers who have experienced intimate coercive control in Northwest Iowa: A phenomenological qualitative study

This dissertation research focused on rural mothers' help-seeking for intimate coercive controlling relationships; and specifically addressed the following question: "What is the essence of help-seeking in rural mothers who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), specifically Intimate Coercive Control (ICC), in Northwest Iowa?" In light of this research question, this study explored both rural mothers' perception of help and their process of help-seeking. Specific attention was paid to the rural context, and to the factors related to perception of and process of help-seeking (especially the act and perception of mothering). Social and physical context matters; therefore, the study was contextualized within the distinct characteristics of a specific rural area. Literature was presented describing how the rural experience influences help-seeking and accessing services for rural mothers. After exploring how context shapes help-seeking behaviors, the perception of and process of seeking help by mothers was examined. Specifically, how does mothering influence help-seeking? In examining help-seeking in rural mothers, the epistemology and methodology of Feminist Narrative theory as well as a Phenomenological approach was employed. This lens was useful as a means of focusing on the person's experiential essence and social contextual factors. The use of phenomenological methods of dialogic engagement in-depth conversations to develop an understanding of help seeking for rural mothers adhered to this framework. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to provide an in-depth description regarding help-seeking patterns and help perceptions of rural mothers who have experienced intimate coercive control. The focus was on giving voice to the co-researchers---the rural mother. This research presents the findings of a qualitative study of twelve rural mothers experiencing intimate coercive control. The data revealed six textural composite themes, including Identity, Health, Mothering, Rural Physical Setting, Rural Social Setting and Sources of Support. Two composite structural processes emerged from these themes, including Barriers in Help-Seeking and Bridges in Help-Seeking. Models were developed to highlight the findings. The study also provided a review of literature related to these themes, implications for service-delivery systems, professional outcomes for policy and practice, as well as, suggestions for future research.