Screening tool for psychological intimate partner violence: Portuguese validation of the psychological maltreatment of women inventory

Abstract

Background/Objective: The Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory-Short Form (PMWI-SF) is a well-established and brief instrument for assessing psychological intimate partner violence (IPV). In the absence of a specific tool to assess psychological IPV in Portuguese women, this study sought to confirm the factor structure of the Portuguese PMWI-SF and analyze its psychometric properties. Method: Five hundred and six women filled out the e-survey including the assessment of IPV (Revised Conflict Tactics Scales, Psychological Abuse Survey, and PMWI-SF) and psychopathology through the Brief Symptom Inventory. Sociodemographic characteristics, construct validity, and internal consistency were analyzed, and a cutoff for the PMWI-SF was established. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis for the 2-factor structure (emotional/verbal abuse and domination/isolation) showed an excellent fit for the last 6 months and across the life span. Factors possessed good internal consistency (a..70) and test-retest reliability (r..90). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed the PMWI factors were positively correlated with proximal variables. PMWI-SF scores demonstrated excellent differentiation between women with and without psychological IPV (area under the curve [AUC] =.948; confidence interval or CI [.93,.97]). The PMWI-SF cutoff score that provided the optimal balance was 32 (sensitivity = 83.8%; specificity = 91.7%). Conclusions: The PMWI-SF is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the experience of psychological IPV in Portuguese women.