Defining Healthy Intimate Relationships: A Qualitative Pilot Study of Rural Hispanic Women

This study aimed to explore Hispanic women’s views of their relationships with current and previous partners. Researchers conducted interviews with Eight (8) women within a local rural Hispanic community. We interviewed in a semi-structured format using the participants' preferred language either English or Spanish. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and reviewed for accuracy. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological focus. Half of the participants reported experiencing some type of intimate partner violence in a past relationship. Participants described positive concepts such as fidelity, respect, and communication and negative concepts such as alcohol, fear, and machismo in describing healthy versus unhealthy relationships. There were four overarching themes: Essential characteristics of healthy relationships, operationalization, threats, and ideal relationships. This pilot study provides preliminary insight into rural Hispanic women's experiences in intimate relationships. More research is needed to examine providers' understanding of how Hispanic women define a healthy relationship. This can impact screening measures and facilitate interventions toward intimate partner violence.