ECONOMIC ABUSE RESEARCH

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Relationships Between Economic Abuse and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Women After Ending a Romantic Relationship

Melissa Walley Packwood, Ph.D., M.S.Ed.

Research Overview

This study examines the relationship between economic abuse and psychological outcomes in women following the end of a romantic relationship. The findings show that the impact of financial control and economic instability can persist for years and, in some cases, for more than a decade after the relationship has ended.

Citation

Packwood, M. W. (2025). Relationships Between Economic Abuse and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Women After Ending a Romantic Relationship (Doctoral dissertation).

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between economic abuse and self-reported mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and stress, among women who have exited a romantic relationship. This research investigates how experiences of financial control, restriction, and instability are associated with self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress one or more years after relationship dissolution. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between economic abuse and depression, anxiety, and stress, with impacts that can persist for a decade or longer after the relationship ends. The findings address a gap in understanding long-term outcomes following economic abuse and highlight the importance of supporting survivors’ mental health and economic stability. These results underscore the importance of recognizing economic abuse as a critical factor in post-relationship recovery and the potential need for long-term survivor support.

Demographic data about an economic abuse study; the link at the bottom of the page provides details

Key Findings

Economic abuse has a statistically significant positive correlation with high self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress
The self-reported impacts of this form of coercive control can persist beyond relationship dissolution
For some individuals, these impacts may last up to a decade
These findings highlight the need to develop interventions that mitigate long-term negative mental health and economic outcomes

Methods

Measures of economic abuse and mental health outcomes were obtained using standardized, validated instruments. Data were collected from 54 participants who had experienced economic abuse following the end of a romantic relationship. Additional methodological detail, including full instrument citations, is available in the complete study.

Data about an economic abuse study; the link at the bottom of the page provides details

Why This Matters

This study addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on post-relationship mental health. By establishing a statistically significant relationship between economic abuse and mental health outcomes, this study contributes to a growing evidence base needed to guide intervention, policy, and future research. These findings support the development of more effective, long-term mental health and economic supports. To be effective, interventions must be responsive to the needs of survivors.

Access the Study

Available through ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Indexed on Google Scholar

ECONOMIC ABUSE RESEARCH

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