Phases of the Cycle of Abuse in Coping and Adaptation

A 29-year-old female patient arrives at the emergency department exhibiting signs of emotional distress and physical injuries. During the initial assessment, she reveals that her partner has exhibited controlling and aggressive behaviors, leading to frequent verbal conflicts and occasional physical confrontations. The nurse recognizes the importance of recognizing the cycle of abuse and formulates an intervention plan to assist the patient in coping and adapting to her situation.

Fill in the blank in the following statement concerning the phases of the cycle of abuse: "The cycle of abuse typically includes three primary phases: the tension-building phase, the violent incident phase, and the __________ phase, during which the abuser may apologize and promise to change their behavior."