The role of mindfulness and alexithymia in reducing depression and anxiety in women victims of spouse violence

Introduction: Depression and anxiety of women victims of violence are affected by several personality and cognitive variables such as mindfulness and alexithymia. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of mindfulness and alexithymia in predicting depression and anxiety in women victims of spouse violence. Method: The research design was descriptive-correlation. The statistical population consisted of 155 women victims of spouse violence who were selected by simple random sampling method and were tested using Toronto Mood Scale (TAS-20), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The data were analyzed by SPSS-20 software and Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analyses. Results: The results showed that mindfulness and alexithymia were able to predict significantly depression and anxiety in women victims of spouse violence. Conclusion: Mindfulness and alexithymia are influential factors in depression and anxiety in women who are victims of violence. The finding can be considered as preventive programs and provide different treatment strategies for this susceptible group.