Abstract:

This study focuses on the complex process of disengagement from intimate partner violence (IPV), systematically reviewing and integrating the multi-level risk and protective factors influencing IPV departure. Critically reviewing the limitations of traditional theoretical models, this study innovatively proposes the Staged-Continuum Dynamic Interaction Model (SCDIM). This model integrates the transtheoretical model of change (TTM) of behavior change's fine-grained stages of departure with the psychosocial readiness model (PRM), which emphasizes the dynamic interaction of internal and external factors over time, addressing the theoretical shortcomings of traditional models that overlook cross-phase interaction mechanisms and nonlinear transitions.

Regarding risk and protective factors, the study identifies and categorizes the influences on IPV disengagement through the lens of the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) and the Sanction and Sanctuary framework. It structures these factors from two levels: individual factors (victims) and environmental factors (including interpersonal relationships, organizational policies, and broader societal and cultural systems). This study emphasizes that these factors do not act in isolation but interact dynamically across different stages, collectively influencing individuals' intentions and behaviors related to leaving an abusive relationship.

On this basis, SCDIM combines TTM's phase-based division of the IPV departure process with PRM’s mechanism of dynamic balancing of influencing factors. The model divides IPV disengagement into five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. It clearly defines the core issues that need to be addressed to facilitate phase transitions, such as problem awareness, cost-benefit analysis, confidence building, improving circumstances, and adapting to changes. Additionally, the model introduces the concept of "transition zones" to depict the blurred boundaries and transitional states between stages, further identifying nine distinct pathways for stage transitions (including linear and nonlinear leapfrogging paths). More importantly, SCDIM systematically constructs the dynamic interaction mechanisms of risk and protective factors within each stage, emphasizing how the intensity of these factors influences the direction of behavior transitions and unveiling the triggering effects of events, such as sudden violence, on changes in the disengagement path.

Theoretically, SCDIM not only inherits the strengths of TTM in identifying the characteristics and behavioral markers of each stage but also absorbs PRM’s explanatory power regarding the dynamic balancing mechanisms, achieving a unified model that incorporates both the phase-based and continuous characteristics of IPV disengagement. The model particularly highlights the emergent changes of victims as adaptive agents interacting with their environment, showing the situational sensitivity to diverse path forms, such as coexisting stages or retrogressive cycles.

On the application level, this study suggests that future interventions could be developed based on SCDIM, advocating for the use of experience sampling and neuro-behavioral measurement methods to verify the dynamic validity of the model. It also encourages exploring the applicability of the model in various cultural contexts. The study indicates that SCDIM provides a theoretical foundation for designing stage-specific psychological interventions, optimizing policy support strategies, and developing intelligent assistance tools. Considering the model's interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral application potential, future research could extend it to different populations and other behavior change processes, thus enhancing its cultural adaptability, universality, and expanding its range of applications.

In summary, SCDIM, as an integrated theoretical framework that combines phase-based divisions and dynamic interaction mechanisms, breaks through the limitations of static attributions and unidimensional explanations found in existing research. It provides a systematic analytical path and a comprehensive perspective for understanding IPV disengagement, offering significant theoretical innovation and practical intervention value.

Key words: intimate partner violence, intimate relationships, abusive relationships, domestic violence