Abstract
The problem of male perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) is widespread. In an effort to identify risk factors for perpetrating
IPV, researchers have examined mental health problems among perpetrators. However, the majority of research in this area has
examined personality psychopathology and/or limited their investigation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
Thus, the present study examined self-reported Axis I psychopathology among men arrested for domestic violence (N = 308). Results replicated past research showing high rates of PTSD and depression. In addition, the prevalence of generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia, and alcohol and drug disorders were very high. All types of mental
health problems were positively associated with aggression perpetration. Males meeting probable diagnostic classification
reported significantly more frequent aggression than males not meeting diagnostic classification, even after controlling for
social desirability. Directions for future research and implications of these findings are discussed.
IPV, researchers have examined mental health problems among perpetrators. However, the majority of research in this area has
examined personality psychopathology and/or limited their investigation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
Thus, the present study examined self-reported Axis I psychopathology among men arrested for domestic violence (N = 308). Results replicated past research showing high rates of PTSD and depression. In addition, the prevalence of generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia, and alcohol and drug disorders were very high. All types of mental
health problems were positively associated with aggression perpetration. Males meeting probable diagnostic classification
reported significantly more frequent aggression than males not meeting diagnostic classification, even after controlling for
social desirability. Directions for future research and implications of these findings are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10896-012-9463-z
- Authors
- Ryan C. Shorey, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, 204 Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Jeniimarie Febres, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, 204 Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Hope Brasfield, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, 204 Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Gregory L. Stuart, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, 204 Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Journal Journal of Family Violence
- Online ISSN 1573-2851
- Print ISSN 0885-7482