The Relation of Anxiety and Avoidance Dimensions of Attachment to Intimate Partner Violence: A Meta-Analysis About Perpetrators

Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration by men who use substances, limited evidence exists about how best to reduce IPV among this group. Method: A systematic narrative review with meta-analysis determined the effectiveness of interventions to reduce IPV by men who use substances. Inclusion criteria were randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials; adult heterosexual male IPV perpetrators where at least 60% of participants were alcohol and/or drug users; the intervention targeted IPV with or without targeting substance use (SU); outcomes included perpetrator and/or victim reports of IPV, SU, or both. Methodological quality was assessed. Results: Nine trials ( n = 1,014 men) were identified. Interventions were grouped into (1) integrated IPV and SU interventions ( n = 5), (2) IPV interventions with adjunct SU interventions ( n = 2), and (3) stand-alone IPV interventions ( n = 2). Cognitive behavioral and motivational interviewing therapies were the most common approaches. Data from individual trials showed a reduction in SU outcomes in the short term (≤3months; n = 2 trials) and IPV perpetration at different time points ( n = 3 trials) for interventions compared with treatment as usual (TAU). Meta-analysis with integrated IPV and SU interventions showed no difference in SU ( n = 3 trials) or IPV outcomes ( n = 4 trials) versus SU TAU. Conclusions: Little evidence exists for effective interventions for male IPV perpetrators who use substances. Outcomes in integrated interventions were not superior to TAU in meta-analysis. Future trials should consider the nature of the relationship between IPV and SU in intervention design, duration of intervention, and type and timing of outcome measures.

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A Meta-Analysis of Latinx Acculturation and Intimate Partner Violence

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838018801327 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 844-854 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Miriam J. Alvarez ◽

Sandra Oviedo Ramirez ◽

Gabriel Frietze ◽

Craig Field ◽

Michael A. Zárate

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Male Partner ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Health Concern ◽

Independent Effect ◽

Subgroup Analyses ◽

The Relationship

Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health concern that affects many Latinx couples. The present study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess acculturation as a predictor of IPV among Latinxs and subgroup analyses to evaluate the effect size by gender and type of acculturation measure. Method: The meta-analysis implemented the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to retrieve studies assessing the relationship between acculturation and intimate partner victimization among foreign-born and U.S.-born Latinx adults. A fixed effects model (FEM) and a random effects model (REM) were employed. Additional subgroup analyses examined the strength of the relationship by gender and type of acculturation measure. Results: The meta-analysis included 27 independent effect sizes across 21 studies. An REM yielded a weighted average correlation of .11 (95% confidence interval [.02, .20]). The strength of the correlation differed by scale and ranged from −.003 to .47. For both men and women, higher acculturation was associated with increased IPV. Conclusions: Our results yielded three important findings: (1) the overall effect of acculturation on IPV is relatively small, (2) acculturation differentially influences male-to-female and female-to-male partner violence, and (3) the strength of the correlation between acculturation and IPV differs by scale. This body of work provides evidence for the effect of acculturation on IPV, with potential implications for interventions targeting Latinxs.

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

10.26686/wgtn.17147669 ◽

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.

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The relationship between criminal behaviour over the life-course and intimate partner violence perpetration in later life

European Journal of Criminology ◽

10.1177/1477370818825344 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 784-805 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Janna Verbruggen ◽

Arjan Blokland ◽

Amanda L Robinson ◽

Christopher D Maxwell

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Life Course ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Later Life ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Criminal Behaviour ◽

Violent Offending ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

The Life Course ◽

The Relationship

This study examines the relationship between criminal behaviour over the life-course and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and general violence in later life. The study uses data on a subsample ( N = 585) from the Dutch Criminal Career and Life-Course Study, and combines officially registered longitudinal data on convictions with self-reported data on IPV perpetration, violent offending and several individual factors, collected at age 60. The results show that those with a history of persistent general and violent offending over the life-course are at increased risk of perpetrating IPV and other violent crimes in later life. Additionally, certain background and current factors are also related to IPV perpetration. Men who have experienced family violence in childhood and those who are married are more likely to report IPV perpetration, whereas relationship quality and employment are associated with a reduced likelihood of IPV perpetration. The findings suggest that an integrated theoretical approach is most useful to understand IPV perpetration, with the ultimate aim of informing evidence-based interventions necessary for reducing IPV in society.

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The Relationship Between Internalized Homophobia and Intimate Partner Violence in Same-Sex Relationships: A Meta-Analysis

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838017708781 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 331-343 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura Badenes-Ribera ◽

Julio Sánchez-Meca ◽

Claudio Longobardi

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Internalized Homophobia ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Same Sex ◽

The Relationship

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What Puts Individuals at Risk for Physical Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration? A Meta-Analysis Examining Risk Markers for Men and Women

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838020925776 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 152483802092577 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chelsea M. Spencer ◽

Sandra M. Stith ◽

Bryan Cafferky

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Health Concern ◽

Risk Markers ◽

Men And Women ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Potential Factors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration is a serious public health concern around the world. This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize all available data examining risk markers for physical IPV perpetration among men and women between 1980 and 2018. Studies were included in the analysis if they examined physical IPV in adult opposite-sex relationships, included statistical information needed to calculate at least one bivariate effect size, and were written in English. A total of 503 studies, yielding 2,972 unique effect sizes, were included in the analysis. Data from these studies allowed for the examination of 63 unique risk markers related to physical IPV perpetration for both men and women, 60 unique risk markers for male perpetration, and 45 unique risk markers for female perpetration. Lastly, we were able to compare the strength of 44 risk markers for physical IPV perpetration between men and women. We found that the strongest risk markers were related to other acts of violence (both perpetration and victimization) as well as relationship dynamics. Results from this study highlight the potential factors that could be focused on in prevention programming and intervention work. Additionally, it was found that 9 out of 44 risk markers significantly differed in strength for men and women, allowing for additional specificity in intervention work for helping professionals working with either male or female perpetrators of physical IPV.

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The Role of Violence Acceptance and Inequitable Gender Norms in Intimate Partner Violence Severity Among Couples in Zambia

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260519876722 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 088626051987672

Author(s):

Shoshanna L. Fine ◽

Jeremy C. Kane ◽

Sarah M. Murray ◽

Stephanie Skavenski ◽

Saphira Munthali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Relationships ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Physical Violence ◽

Gender Norms ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Heterosexual Couples ◽

Men And Women ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

The Relationship

Inequitable gender norms, including the acceptance of violence in intimate relationships, have been found to be associated with the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization. Despite these findings, few studies have considered whether inequitable gender norms are related to IPV severity. This study uses baseline data from a psychotherapeutic intervention targeting heterosexual couples ( n = 247) in Lusaka, Zambia, who reported moderate to severe male-perpetrated IPV and male hazardous alcohol use to consider: (a) prevailing gender norms, including those related to IPV; (b) the relationship between IPV acceptance and IPV severity; and (c) the relationship between inequitable gender norms and IPV severity. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to model the relationships between IPV acceptance and inequitable gender norms, and female-reported IPV severity (including threats of violence, physical violence, sexual violence, and total violence), separately among male and female participants. In general, men and women were similar in their patterns of agreement with gender norms, with both highly endorsing items related to household roles. More than three-quarters of men (78.1%) and women (78.5%) indicated overall acceptance of violence in intimate relationships, with no significant differences between men and women in their endorsement of any IPV-related gender norms. Among men, IPV acceptance was associated with a statistically significant increase in IPV perpetration severity in terms of threatening violence ( B = 5.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.84, 9.89]), physical violence ( B = 4.54, 95% CI = [0.10, 8.98]), and total violence ( B = 11.65, 95% CI = [3.14, 20.16]). There was no association between IPV acceptance and IPV victimization severity among women. Unlike IPV acceptance, there was no evidence for a relationship between inequitable gender norms and IPV severity for either men or women. These findings have implications for the appropriateness of gender transformative interventions in targeting men and women in relationships in which there is ongoing IPV.

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Exploring Violence Socialization and Approval of Intimate Partner Violence Among University Students in Kosovo

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260517692336 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (5-6) ◽

pp. 1081-1107 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kaltrina Kelmendi ◽

František Baumgartner

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

University Students ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Cultural Context ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Perpetrators And Victims ◽

The Relationship

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among university students is a prevalent problem in many countries; however, it is not currently recognized in Kosovo as a social issue in terms of research, prevention, and intervention. The aim of this article was to examine the relationship between violence socialization experiences, approval of violence, and IPV perpetration/victimization among university students in Kosovo. The questionnaires were administrated to a convenience sample of 700 students of University of Prishtina who were in relationship for 1 month or longer. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2) was used for measuring physical, psychological, and sexual violence, whereas for measuring violence socialization and violence approval, scales from Personal and Relationships Profile (PRP) were used. Findings from this study show that there were statistically significant gender differences in terms of socialization and approval of violence among university students. Similarly, perpetrators and victims of IPV (physical, psychological, and sexual violence) showed higher rates of socialization of violence and tolerance toward IPV. Besides, findings indicate that approval of violence mediates the relationship between socialization of violence and IPV perpetration and victimization, for both genders. The implications of the current findings within a cultural context are also discussed.

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Does Women’s Approval of Intimate Partner Violence Mediate the Relationship Between Sexism and Violence in Heterosexual Relationships? A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

10.26686/wgtn.16695544.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Manuri Ranasinghe

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

New Zealand ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Gender Symmetry ◽

Gender Empowerment ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

The Relationship

The Revised Gender Symmetry Theory (Archer, 2018) proposes that western countries with higher levels of gender empowerment of women will experience an equal rate of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) between men and women that is bi-directional and low in intensity. In contrast, non-western countries with lower levels of gender empowerment are proposed to experience high rates of male to female aggression; bi-directional violence or male victimisation from women in such countries will be unlikely. The aim of this study was twofold. First, it aimed to test the validity of the Revised Gender Symmetry Theory using self- reports of IPV perpetration and victimisation from women residing in two countries above (New Zealand) and below (Sri Lanka) the mean global gender empowerment score. Second, considering the strong relationship between positive attitudes towards IPV with both sexism and IPV perpetration, the mediational properties of positive attitudes in explaining the relationship between sexism and IPV perpetration and victimisation in the two countries was examined. Female undergraduate university students from New Zealand (N=199) and Sri Lanka (N=198) completed the Conflict Tactic Scale-2, the Beliefs about Relationship Aggression Scale and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory. Inconsistent with the Revised Gender Symmetry model, independent t-test analysis found that women in New Zealand and Sri Lanka reported similar rates of IPV perpetration and victimisation, for both minor and severe forms of IPV. In keeping with Sri Lanka having lower levels of gender empowerment of women, Sri Lankan women were more likely to approve of IPV and endorsed higher levels of sexism (benevolent and hostile sexism) when compared to New Zealand women. Lastly, the moderated mediation models found that attitudes condoning female IPV mediated the relationship between benevolent sexism and IPV perpetration by women in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. The need for interventions to challenge women’s attitudes which condone female IPV and reduce societal sexism is discussed along with other implications for clinical practice.

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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.

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