Who was the last person to control her by hitting her, making her believe she's a "cancer" and then making her feel completely unworthy of being loved? Oh yes, her mother.

oh, huh, i hadn't thought of that, but it totally makes sense. as does what you said about how starbuck knows how to react to that and that's why she pulls herself together. that was the missing link for me that i couldn't think of so far. how very screwed up, and yet excellent in terms of character development. let's hope ron moore knows that as well!