Ambivalent Sexism, Alcohol Use, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

Two leading theories propose different reasons for men’s and women’s intimate partner violence (IPV). The gendered theory proposes that society’s patriarchal norms of male dominance and female subordination cause men’s IPV towards women. From this perspective, violence against ‘wives’ is condoned by society, and women only perpetrate IPV in self-defence against men’s primary violence. Conversely, the chivalrous theory of IPV explains women’s IPV perpetration in terms of society’s chivalrous norms, which protect women from male violence and emboldens women to physically assault male partners. From this perspective, women’s violence is not considered harmful to men. As gendered theory and chivalrous theory both reference stereotyped gender attitudes (sexism) towards women, I used the ambivalent sexism inventory (ASI) to test the competing theories efficacy in explaining IPV perpetration by heterosexual men and women. The ASI conceptualises sexist attitudes towards women as comprised of two parts: hostile sexism (reflecting the hostility towards women outlined by gendered theory), and benevolent sexism (reflecting the benevolence towards women outlined by chivalrous theory). Gendered theory states that society condones violence towards women. Thus, men’s attitudes approving of male-perpetrated IPV should mediate the relationship between men’s hostile sexism and IPV, if gendered theory predictions are correct. Alternatively, chivalrous theory poses that society does not approve of violence towards women. Thus, attitudes disapproving of men’s IPV against women and approving of women’s IPV towards men should mediate the relationship between benevolent sexism and IPV if chivalrous theory is correct. I hypothesized men’s increased hostile sexism would predict men’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against women, and men’s increased benevolent sexism would predict men’s decreased IPV perpetration through decreased approval of IPV against women. Further, I hypothesised that women’s increased hostile sexism would predict women’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against men, and women’s benevolent sexism would predict increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against men. North American men and women (N = 688) filled out an online questionnaire measuring experiences of IPV as victims and/or perpetrators, approval of male and female IPV perpetration, and hostile and benevolent sexism. Multi-group structural equation modelling tested the extent to which positive attitudes toward intimate partner violence mediated the association between sexism and IPV perpetration for men and for women. Results found that, for both men and women, increased hostile sexism predicted greater IPV perpetration through greater approval of men’s IPV against women. Furthermore, increased benevolent sexism predicted women’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of men’s IPV against women. Men’s increased benevolent sexism did not predict men’s lower IPV perpetration or disapproval of IPV against women. However, men’s and women’s ambivalent sexism also predicted greater approval of women’s IPV towards men. Results did not fully support patriarchal or chivalrous predictions, instead aligning well with ambivalent sexism theory which posits a more inclusive and holistic understanding of the relationship between sexism and IPV perpetration. Reducing all forms of sexism and men’s and women’s positive attitudes toward the use of IPV are identified as important targets for IPV treatment and prevention.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

Chivalry vs. Patriarchy: Exploring the Psychological Mechanisms of Physical Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

10.26686/wgtn.17147669.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Ara A'Court

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Ambivalent Sexism ◽

Benevolent Sexism ◽

Hostile Sexism ◽

Men And Women ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Gendered Theory ◽

The Relationship

Two leading theories propose different reasons for men’s and women’s intimate partner violence (IPV). The gendered theory proposes that society’s patriarchal norms of male dominance and female subordination cause men’s IPV towards women. From this perspective, violence against ‘wives’ is condoned by society, and women only perpetrate IPV in self-defence against men’s primary violence. Conversely, the chivalrous theory of IPV explains women’s IPV perpetration in terms of society’s chivalrous norms, which protect women from male violence and emboldens women to physically assault male partners. From this perspective, women’s violence is not considered harmful to men. As gendered theory and chivalrous theory both reference stereotyped gender attitudes (sexism) towards women, I used the ambivalent sexism inventory (ASI) to test the competing theories efficacy in explaining IPV perpetration by heterosexual men and women. The ASI conceptualises sexist attitudes towards women as comprised of two parts: hostile sexism (reflecting the hostility towards women outlined by gendered theory), and benevolent sexism (reflecting the benevolence towards women outlined by chivalrous theory). Gendered theory states that society condones violence towards women. Thus, men’s attitudes approving of male-perpetrated IPV should mediate the relationship between men’s hostile sexism and IPV, if gendered theory predictions are correct. Alternatively, chivalrous theory poses that society does not approve of violence towards women. Thus, attitudes disapproving of men’s IPV against women and approving of women’s IPV towards men should mediate the relationship between benevolent sexism and IPV if chivalrous theory is correct. I hypothesized men’s increased hostile sexism would predict men’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against women, and men’s increased benevolent sexism would predict men’s decreased IPV perpetration through decreased approval of IPV against women. Further, I hypothesised that women’s increased hostile sexism would predict women’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against men, and women’s benevolent sexism would predict increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against men. North American men and women (N = 688) filled out an online questionnaire measuring experiences of IPV as victims and/or perpetrators, approval of male and female IPV perpetration, and hostile and benevolent sexism. Multi-group structural equation modelling tested the extent to which positive attitudes toward intimate partner violence mediated the association between sexism and IPV perpetration for men and for women. Results found that, for both men and women, increased hostile sexism predicted greater IPV perpetration through greater approval of men’s IPV against women. Furthermore, increased benevolent sexism predicted women’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of men’s IPV against women. Men’s increased benevolent sexism did not predict men’s lower IPV perpetration or disapproval of IPV against women. However, men’s and women’s ambivalent sexism also predicted greater approval of women’s IPV towards men. Results did not fully support patriarchal or chivalrous predictions, instead aligning well with ambivalent sexism theory which posits a more inclusive and holistic understanding of the relationship between sexism and IPV perpetration. Reducing all forms of sexism and men’s and women’s positive attitudes toward the use of IPV are identified as important targets for IPV treatment and prevention.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

Negative Affect, Alcohol Consumption, and Female-to-Male Intimate Partner Violence: A Daily Diary Investigation

Partner Abuse ◽

10.1891/1946-6560.4.3.332 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 332-355 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Cory A. Crane ◽

Christopher I. Eckhardt

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Male Partner ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

College Age ◽

The Status ◽

Daily Risk

Although research suggests that both negative affect and alcohol use are related to the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) in male samples, less is known about the status of these risk factors in female samples. Forty-three college-age females who reported a recent history of IPV perpetration submitted 6 weeks of Online daily reports pertaining to their levels of negative affect, alcohol consumption habits, and the occurrence of both male-to-female partner violence (MFPV) and female-to-male partner violence (FMPV). Results indicated that negative affect significantly predicted increases in the daily risk of FMPV. MFPV also significantly predicted FMPV risk. Alcohol consumption failed to predict FMPV perpetration on both levels of analysis. Results are discussed in terms of prevailing models of alcohol use, negative affect, and IPV.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Alcohol Use in Adulthood, and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Perpetration by Black Men: A Systematic Review

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838020953101 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 152483802095310

Author(s):

Kerry A. Lee ◽

Charlotte Lyn Bright ◽

Gail Betz

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Black Men ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽

The United States ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Childhood Experiences ◽

Adverse Childhood ◽

Ipv Perpetration

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social and public health problem in the United States. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and alcohol use have been found to be associated with IPV perpetration; however, limited studies have examined the interrelationships of these variables among Black men. This is the first known study to systematically review and synthesize studies on the interrelationships of ACEs, alcohol use, and IPV perpetration among Black men. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in PubMed and six EBSCOhost databases by a research librarian and two researchers. Twenty studies met inclusion criteria: empirical; available in English; included ACEs, alcohol use/substance abuse, and IPV perpetration variables in the analyses; and samples included Black/African American male IPV perpetrators aged ≥ 18 years. ACEs were found to be associated with IPV perpetration among Black men, but findings were mixed regarding the role of alcohol in relation to ACEs and IPV. Numerous ACE factors (1–6) were used across studies. However, findings regarding the co-occurrence of ACE factors are inconclusive because none of the studies examined the cumulative effects of exposure to more than one type of ACE on subsequent IPV perpetration. Implications for policy, practice, and research related to the interrelationships of ACEs, alcohol use, and IPV perpetration are provided. Future work is needed to better explicate the interrelationships among these constructs.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

Emotion Dysregulation as a Correlate of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Arrested for Domestic Violence

Partner Abuse ◽

10.1891/1946-6560.10.1.98 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 98-113

Author(s):

Hannah L. Grigorian ◽

Alisa Garner ◽

Autumn Rae Florimbio ◽

Meagan J. Brem ◽

Caitlin Wolford-Clevenger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Domestic Violence ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Impulse Control ◽

Emotion Dysregulation ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Intervention Programs ◽

Future Research ◽

Ipv Perpetration

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem. Research and theory suggests that emotion dysregulation is an important correlate of IPV and thus may be a fruitful target of intervention efforts. However, examination of emotion dysregulation among women arrested for domestic violence, an understudied population, is nonexistent. The current study extended prior research by examining what components of emotion dysregulation related to IPV perpetration while controlling for substance misuse and antisocial traits, two robust correlates of IPV, in women arrested for domestic violence and court-ordered to batterer intervention programs (N = 71). In the current study, the emotion dysregulation component of Impulse Control Difficulties was significantly associated with the perpetration of physical IPV. Findings suggest a link between impulse control during negative emotional experiences and the perpetration of IPV among women arrested for domestic violence. Implications regarding findings and future research and intervention applications are discussed.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

Masculine Gender Ideologies, Intimate Partner Violence, and Alcohol Use Increase Risk for Genital Tract Infections Among Men

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260517700619 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (11-12) ◽

pp. 2316-2334

Author(s):

Kiyomi Tsuyuki ◽

Balaiah Donta ◽

Anindita Dasgupta ◽

Paul J. Fleming ◽

Mohan Ghule ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Condom Use ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Genital Tract ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Gender Ideologies ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Masculine Gender

Masculine gender ideologies are thought to underlie alcohol use, intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, and sexual risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We extend on studies in the Indian context by examining the roles of masculine gender ideologies, alcohol use, and IPV on three outcomes of HIV risk (condom use, genital tract infection [GTI] symptoms, and GTI diagnosis). We applied logistic regression models to cross-sectional data of men and their wives in rural Maharashtra, India ( n = 1,080 couples). We found that men with less masculine gender ideologies demonstrated greater odds of condom use (i.e., lower odds no condom use, odds ratio [OR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.93, 0.98]). IPV perpetration was associated with increased odds of reporting ≥1 GTI symptom (adjusted OR [AOR] = 1.56, 95% CI = [1.07, 2.26]) and decreased GTI diagnosis (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI = [0.08, 0.97]). Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with increased odds of reporting ≥1 GTI symptom (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI = [1.01, 2.25]). Our findings have direct implications for men’s and women’s health in rural India, including targeted GTI diagnosis and treatment, integrated violence prevention in STI clinics, and targeted intervention on masculine gender ideologies.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

Understanding How Relational Health Effects Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration among Low-Income, Black, Indigenous, Men of Color Exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences: An Exploratory Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18083890 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 3890

Author(s):

Laura A. Voith ◽

Hyunjune Lee ◽

Katie N. Russell ◽

Amy E. Korsch-Williams

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Phase I ◽

Low Income ◽

Partner Violence ◽

World View ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Future Research ◽

Relational Health ◽

Men Of Color ◽

Ipv Perpetration

Relational health has emerged as a consistent factor that can mitigate the effects of trauma among children; however, less is known about relational health with adults, particularly related to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among racially and socioeconomically marginalized men. The Exploratory Sequential Design, Taxonomy Development Model was used. Semi-structured interviews (N = 11) and narrative analysis were conducted in Phase I. In Phase II, variables approximating the key themes that emerged in Phase I were selected from an existing dataset (N = 67), and relationships were examined using bivariate associations. The sample consisted of low-income Black, Indigenous, men of color (BIMOC) in a batterer intervention program (BIP). Adverse life experiences shaped participants’ world view via mistrust in others, stifling emotions and vulnerability, and a sense of personal guilt and shame. These orientations were then carried into adult relationships where men coped using social isolation to manage challenges, negatively affecting intimate relationships. For some men, mental health exacerbated these circumstances. Significant bivariate and multivariate associations supported this narrative. This study lays the foundation for future research to examine the potential effects of social support on IPV perpetration. BIPs should consider augmenting programming to enhance men’s social networks to support their use of nonviolence after program completion.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

Alcohol Use, Hostile Sexism, and Religious Self-Regulation: Investigating Risk and Protective Factors of IPV Perpetration

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260517708758 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (17-18) ◽

pp. 3237-3263 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kellie R. Lynch ◽

Claire M. Renzetti

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Use ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Physical Violence ◽

Self Regulation ◽

National Sample ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Hostile Sexism ◽

Violence Perpetration ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

The Relationship

Research suggests that the relationship between alcohol use and intimate partner violence (IPV) is moderated by a range of other factors. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between alcohol use, hostile sexism, and religious self-regulation with perpetration. Using a national sample of 255 men, we found that hostile sexism was associated with physical violence toward a partner and alcohol use was positively associated with psychological abuse toward a partner. With regard to religious self-regulation, we found that introjected religious self-regulation was positively associated with hostile sexism and positively associated with perpetrating physical IPV. Identified religious self-regulation was negatively associated with physical violence perpetration. We also found significant interactions among our independent measures on physical IPV perpetration. These analyses suggest that increased alcohol consumption elevates the risk for physical violence perpetration among men who are high in introjected religious self-regulation and low in hostile sexism, while reducing the risk for perpetration in men who are high in identified religious self-regulation and low in hostile sexism. Implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

Myths about Intimate Partner Violence and Moral Disengagement: An Analysis of Sociocultural Dimensions Sustaining Violence against Women

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17218139 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (21) ◽

pp. 8139

Author(s):

Chiara Rollero ◽

Norma De Piccoli

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Moral Disengagement ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Ambivalent Sexism ◽

Hostile Sexism ◽

Treatment Programs ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Naive Theories ◽

Gender Theories

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health issue worldwide and a serious violation of human rights. Recognizing IPV as a form of violence is essential for both victims who need help and offenders who can join treatment programs. Furthermore, only a society able to identify violence can effectively deal with IPV. The present study is aimed at investigating the role of sociocultural dimensions (i.e., ambivalent sexism toward women, ambivalence toward men, and lay theories about gender differences) in sustaining myths about IPV and moral disengagement. The participants were 359 university students (76.5% female). The results show that hostile sexism toward women plays a key role in sustaining both myths and moral disengagement. Moreover, benevolence toward men and biological lay gender theories (i.e., “naïve” theories assuming that sex differences are a product of biology and genetics) significantly affected the endorsement of IPV myths. The implications are discussed.

Get full-text (via PubEx)

The Short-Term Effects of Gendered Primary Prevention Campaigns on Ambivalent Sexism and Beliefs about the Acceptability of Intimate Partner Violence

10.26686/wgtn.17132000.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Shameela Halley Allen

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Experimental Design ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Ambivalent Sexism ◽

Hostile Sexism ◽

Female Aggression ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Male Aggression

This study aimed to explore the effects of portrayed gender roles in media campaigns on participants’ endorsement of sexism and approval of intimate partner violence (IPV) across two studies. Study one (N = 227) used a within-subjects experimental design and consisted of two parts separated by a one-week period. In part one, participants completed an online questionnaire that consisted of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory and the Beliefs about Relationship Aggression Scale. In part two, participants randomly viewed a poster depicting heterosexual IPV or a non-violent control, then completed the measures. Study two (N = 380) aimed to replicate study one using a between-subjects experimental design, and followed the procedure of study one, part two. ANOVA revealed that participants approved of female to male violence significantly more than male to female violence, and this approval was more pronounced for males, indicating a chivalrous norm. Regression analyses revealed the more that females, but not males, endorsed benevolent sexism (BS), the less they approved of male aggression (no provocation). Contrarily, the more male and female participants endorsed BS, the more they approved of female aggression (total and infidelity). Hostile sexism was not related to approval. Across both studies, regression analyses revealed that exposure to a poster depicting male aggression did not significantly change participants’ approval of IPV or level of sexism. In contrast, it was found that participants who viewed a poster depicting female aggression approved of female aggression (total and infidelity) significantly less than participants who viewed a non-violent control poster, however, this was only observed in study two. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed that exposure to a poster depicting female aggression decreased participants’ endorsement of BS, with females decreasing the most relative to baseline, however, this was only observed in study one. The need for prevention campaigns to be informed by multifactorial frameworks, rather than single factor gendered theories, is discussed alongside other implications for policy and practice.

Get full-text (via PubEx)