Fostering resilience through natural mentorship: Experiences of young women exposed to intimate partner violence

Abstract

This exploratory study offers an interpretive phenomenological investigation of relational resilience and natural mentors among emerging adult women exposed to parental intimate partner violence (IPV) in childhood. Purposive sampling was used to recruit women ages 18–21 years of age who self-reported exposure to parental IPV in childhood, and described their own current and past romantic relationships as non-violent (N = 13). Semi-structured, in-depth interviews focused on participant experiences with self-defined healthy intimate relationships in the aftermath of childhood IPV exposure, and the potential role that natural mentors played in their relational resilience. Participant definitions of relational resilience were captured by four core themes: resistance to parental relationship patterns, identifying relationship essentials, prioritizing independence and self, and persevering through ups and downs. Participants identified natural mentors who served as a consistent source of connection and support in their lives, including aunts, grandparents, teachers, sisters, cousins, and peers. Four themes exemplified the role of natural mentors in participants’ relational resilience: a judgment-free zone to be oneself; physically showing up; care, compassion, and encouragement; and serving as a role model. Practice implications are discussed, including the potential for a natural mentorship intervention for this age group that builds on the core components of growth-fostering connections.