Emotion regulation and intimate partner violence perpetration: A meta-analysis

Measuring real-time violence exposure and its impact on intimate partner violence perpetration among adolescents

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has dire health consequences. To intervene, it is critical we first understand why young men perpetrate IPV. One theory is that men who experience violence are more likely to perpetrate violence. We used real time data to examine how daily and repeat experiences of violence affect IPV behaviors.

METHODS

We enrolled 498 males aged 15-19 years in Soweto, South Africa during 2020-2022. We collected data through weekly mobile phone surveys (n = 12,603) delivered over a year. Generalized linear mixed effect models were used to fit IPV perpetration as a function of past-24-hour violence victimization; models included indicators for between-person and within-person components of victimization.

FINDINGS

In at least one survey submitted, 13% of boys reported perpetrating physical IPV and 5% perpetrating sexual IPV. Any victimization in the past 24-hours significantly increased the odds of physical (OR 4.00) and sexual violence perpetration (OR 2.45). When examined individually, sexual violence victimization had the strongest association (OR of 7.96 for physical and 4.88 sexual IPV perpetration). We also examined the between-person influence of victimization. Boys who experienced more violence on average (a higher person-centered mean exposure) were substantially more likely to perpetrate both physical IPV and sexual IPV as compared to boys with overall low levels of victimization.

CONCLUSION

Adolescent boys who experience violence are more likely to use violence against their partners that same day. To break this cycle, it will be critical to understand the mechanisms by which proximal victimization triggers onward violence perpetration. Both the current findings and the next steps highlight the importance of real-time, repeated data collection.

Do Emotion Regulation and Empathic Concern Moderate the Association Between Dark Triad Traits and Intimate Partner Violence?

Psychological, physical, and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among college-aged emerging adults (aged 18-29 years). Aggressive and dark triad personality traits have been linked to an increased risk of IPV, yet this approach does not identify modifiable risk factors. This study extends current research on personality traits and IPV by testing modifiable factors, namely, emotion regulation and empathic concern, that may alter the association of dark triad traits with psychological, physical, and sexual IPV. College students (N = 554) in a dating relationship for more than 2 weeks completed an online survey. Participants self-identified as Black (22.9%), Latinx (40.6%), and White (34.8%); a majority identified as women (74.1%). Results showed that low empathic concern intensified the association between dark triad traits and psychological and physical IPV. Individuals relatively high on dark triad traits are thus more likely to engage in monitoring a partner, dictating their activities or appearance, or hitting them when they also exhibit low empathy. Emotion regulation also moderated the relationship between dark triad traits and psychological IPV, but not for physical or sexual IPV. Emotion regulation, however, was a significant correlate of physical IPV, suggesting this type of IPV may be related to both emotion dysregulation and intentional efforts to control a partner. In contrast, emotion regulation and dark triad traits were independently linked to sexual IPV, suggesting sexual IPV may be driven by different mechanisms such as opportunistic or exploitative tendencies, factors that are less influenced by empathy. Results emphasize targeting empathic concern and emotion regulation to reduce IPV risk among those high in dark triad traits.

Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Drug Use: The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation Difficulties

Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is a risk factor for drug use, which has the potential to negatively impact survivor health and well-being. However, few studies have explored the role of emotion regulation in the association between IPV exposure and drug use. Understanding whether difficulties with emotion regulation mediate the association between IPV victimization and drug use may be important to better understand the mechanisms driving drug use and identify potential intervention targets. Thus, the present study aims to test the role of emotion dysregulation in the link between IPV exposure and drug use among violently injured adults. A total of 367 adults who had experienced a violent injury from any source (Mage = 32.7, 73% male, 80% Black/African-American) from an Urban Level 1 Trauma Center were recruited. Participants completed self-report surveys on their IPV victimization experiences, emotion regulation difficulties, and drug use. Results showed that IPV victimization was associated with greater emotion regulation difficulties and higher levels of drug use. In addition, several domains of emotion regulation difficulties (strategies, non-acceptance, goals, and impulse) were associated with more engagement in drug use, and those domains of emotion regulation difficulties partially mediated the associations between IPV victimization and drug use. These findings highlight the importance of exploring mechanisms of IPV victimization outcomes, such as drug use that can guide education (e.g., stigma prevention), prevention (e.g., early and hospital-based screening), and intervention (e.g., treatments to target emotion regulation) efforts.

The Impact of Trauma and Substance Use on Emotion Regulation and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: Implications for Perpetrator Programs

(1) Background: Alcohol and/or other drug use problems (ADUPs) and trauma are key risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) that should be addressed in perpetrator programs. Participants with ADUPs and trauma histories may display greater difficulties in emotion regulation, which may increase the likelihood of IPV recidivism. The study aimed to examine differences among participants with trauma, ADUPs, ADUPs and trauma, and without such factors in dropout, IPV, and variables related to emotion regulation at pre- and post-intervention; (2) Methods: A sample of 312 men court-mandated to attend a perpetrator program (Contexto Program) was used. Variables related to emotion regulation difficulties included alexithymia, depressive symptomatology, and clinical syndromes. IPV variables included self-reported physical and psychological IPV and IPV recidivism risk assessed by facilitators. Comparisons between groups were made using one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, and two-way repeated measures ANOVAs; (3) Results: Participants with ADUPs and trauma presented greater difficulties on variables related to emotion regulation, higher risk of IPV at pre-intervention, and higher dropout rates. At post-intervention, all participants improved their emotion regulation skills and reduced IPV recidivism risk, with participants with ADUPs and trauma maintaining a higher risk of IPV; (4) Conclusions: IPV perpetrators with ADUPs and trauma are high-risk participants. Interventions should target trauma and ADUPs to improve their effectiveness.

Intergenerational transmission of physical abuse, probability of conviction, and laws against abuse in Tunisia

BACKGROUND

A robust research literature suggests that parents victimized by physical abuse in childhood are more likely to physically abuse their own children. However, no research has examined whether the existence of a law against maltreatment may mitigate intergenerational transmission effects.

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the association between parents' childhood physical victimization and later very severe physical abuse on their children and explores the effect of laws against maltreatment on intergenerational transmission of physical abuse in Tunisia, using knowledge of the existence of a law against child abuse as a proxy.

METHOD

Based on a nationally representative sample of 1002 Tunisian parents, this study used regression models with population weights that controlled for parents' age, gender, and level of education as well as total number of minor children and adults in the household.

RESULTS

The study finds that childhood physical victimization is positively associated with an increased use of very severe physical abuse (β = 0.700, p < .001), knowledge of the existence of a law is associated with less frequent very severe physical abuse (β = -0.502, p < .05), and knowledge of the existence of a law moderates the relationship between parents' victimization and parents' perpetration (β = -0.540, p < .001). However, higher conviction probabilities estimated by participants were associated with more frequent, rather than less frequent, very severe physical abuse (β = 0.059, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that the knowledge of the existence of a law against child abuse may be associated with less very severe physical abuse of children but not because of an increased probability of perpetrator punishment. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Machiavellianism and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the size of the relationship between Machiavellianism and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Further, we explored whether the strength of this relationship varied depending on IPV type (i.e., physical, psychological, sexual, and cyber), and perpetrator gender. Systematic searches of Medline Complete, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were conducted on July 4, 2023. Studies were included if they were a peer-reviewed published paper or unpublished dissertation, in English, included a measure of Machiavellianism and IPV perpetration, and reported the relationship between these variables. Study quality was assessed using the AXIS tool. Nineteen studies (N = 9,464) were included in a random-effects meta-analysis revealing a significant, weak, positive correlation between Machiavellianism and IPV perpetration (r = .16, 95% CI [0.11, 0.21], p < .001). Machiavellianism had a significant, weak, positive relationship with cyber (r = .25, 95% CI [0.17, 0.32], p < .001), psychological (r = .20, 95% CI [0.15, 0.24], p < .001), and sexual IPV (r = .10, 95% CI [0.02, 0.19], p = .020). No significant relationship was found for physical IPV. There was no significant difference in the strength of the relationship between women and men. These findings are limited by the measures being self-report, heterogeneity across studies, and the cross-sectional nature of the included studies which limits the understanding of causal pathways. Nonetheless, this meta-analysis shows a link between Machiavellianism and IPV perpetration, and future research should examine how this knowledge may be used to reduce IPV perpetration.

Psychological Predictors of Recidivism for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Systematic Scoping Review

Theoretical accounts of recidivistic intimate partner violence (IPV) continue to differ considerably in relation to the relative weight given to psychological risk factors. A systematic overview of studies that have established psychological predictors of reoffending is currently lacking. This study aimed to identify and provide an overview of studies examining various psychological factors associated with IPV perpetration patterns. A systematic search of research conducted from 1945 to 2024 was carried out on PsycINFO, PubMed, and PILOTS. The inclusion criteria were that studies must not use self-reported reoffending data only, must use a criminal justice sample, must be longitudinal, participants must be over 17 years of age, and that studies must be published in the English language and peer reviewed. A total of 25 longitudinal studies examining individual psychological factors, proposed as potential predictors of IPV reoffending, were eligible. The identified factors were grouped into five categories: personality, anger and hostility, beliefs, attitudes and motivation, neurocognitive deficits and trauma (i.e., family of origin abuse/post-traumatic stress disorder). The current systematic scoping review found that the most-researched psychological predictor of IPV recidivism was personality. While studies vary in relation to the personality traits or disorders that contribute most to the likelihood of reoffending, in general, personality assessment appears to be a promising tool in predicting reoffending. Anger, childhood maltreatment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implicit attitudes, and neurocognitive deficits were also identified as predictors of IPV recidivism. Methodological issues were found to be present across studies.

Both partners' negative emotion drives aggression during couples' conflict

Researchers examining conflict between intimate partners believe that the experience and expression of emotion drives aggressive behaviour. Intra-personally, increases in negative affect make aggression more likely. Inter-personally, theoretical models suggest that each individuals' perception of their partners' emotion also influences aggression, potentially creating a Violence Escalation Cycle. Here, using a lab-based aggression task across a primary study (n = 104, number of trials = 3095) and a replication (n = 58, number of trials = 3167), we show that both intra- and inter-personal experiences of negative emotion predict reactive aggression within couples, revealing retaliation but not escalation. Critically, analyses of facial affect reveal that prototypic displays of negative emotions have a compounding effect, leading to dramatic changes in aggression depending on whether one, both, or neither partner expressed negative emotion. We propose a mechanism by which temporal delays (i.e., experimentally imposed forced breaks) reduce aggression by decreasing negative emotional arousal and limiting impulsive action. Our results show that both forced breaks and elective breaks (i.e., extra participant-initiated extensions of the forced break time) reduce aggression, providing exciting evidence that interventions focused on preventing impulsive action when people are in a provoked state can reduce aggression within couples.

Intimate Partner Violence and Alexithymia: Do Emotions Matter? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Intimate partner violence (IPV) encompasses physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. Recent evidence suggests that victims and perpetrators might share some common psychological characteristics. Particularly, high levels of alexithymia, a difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions, and an externally oriented thinking style were found in both victims and perpetrators when compared to the general population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the levels of alexithymia in victims and perpetrators of IPV and compare these levels to controls. We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, using the following strings: ("intimate partner violence" OR "IPV" OR "partner abuse") AND ("alexithymia" OR "alexithymic"). The inclusion criteria were: adult perpetrators or victims of IPV; with or without a rehabilitation program; having or not a comparison group from the general population; alexithymia as outcome; all types of study design. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were meta-analyzed with random-effects models. Results showed comparable levels of alexithymia in victims and perpetrators of IPV (mean = 55.92 vs. 55.15, respectively). Furthermore, we found increased alexithymia in victims (Hedges' g, 0.87 [95% CI 0.43, 1.31]) and perpetrators (Hedges' g, 0.94 [95% CI 0.77, 1.12]) compared to controls. These results highlight that both perpetrators and victims exhibited high levels of alexithymia. A deeper understanding of this psychological dimension can help professionals to plan better-tailored interventions, in which all relevant factors associated with IPV are considered.

Intimate partner violence perpetration among veterans: associations with neuropsychiatric symptoms and limbic microstructure

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration is highly prevalent among veterans. Suggested risk factors of IPV perpetration include combat exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol use, and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). While the underlying brain pathophysiological characteristics associated with IPV perpetration remain largely unknown, previous studies have linked aggression and violence to alterations of the limbic system. Here, we investigate whether IPV perpetration is associated with limbic microstructural abnormalities in military veterans. Further, we test the effect of potential risk factors (i.e., PTSD, depression, substance use disorder, mTBI, and war zone-related stress) on the prevalence of IPV perpetration.

Methods

Structural and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data were acquired from 49 male veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom; OEF/OIF) of the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) study. IPV perpetration was assessed using the psychological aggression and physical assault sub-scales of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2). Odds ratios were calculated to assess the likelihood of IPV perpetration in veterans with either of the following diagnoses: PTSD, depression, substance use disorder, or mTBI. Fractional anisotropy tissue (FA) measures were calculated for limbic gray matter structures (amygdala-hippocampus complex, cingulate, parahippocampal gyrus, entorhinal cortex). Partial correlations were calculated between IPV perpetration, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and FA.

Results

Veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD, depression, substance use disorder, or mTBI had higher odds of perpetrating IPV. Greater war zone-related stress, and symptom severity of PTSD, depression, and mTBI were significantly associated with IPV perpetration. CTS2 (psychological aggression), a measure of IPV perpetration, was associated with higher FA in the right amygdala-hippocampus complex (r = 0.400, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Veterans with psychiatric disorders and/or mTBI exhibit higher odds of engaging in IPV perpetration. Further, the more severe the symptoms of PTSD, depression, or TBI, and the greater the war zone-related stress, the greater the frequency of IPV perpetration. Moreover, we report a significant association between psychological aggression against an intimate partner and microstructural alterations in the right amygdala-hippocampus complex. These findings suggest the possibility of a structural brain correlate underlying IPV perpetration that requires further research.

A focus on perpetrators of intimate partner violence in mental health settings is urgently needed

A national study in the UK has shown that perpetration of intimate partner violence is common for men and women attending mental health settings. People who perpetrated intimate partner violence were more likely to have experienced intimate partner violence, particularly for women. Perpetrators who were men were more likely to also perpetrate non-partner violence against family, friends or strangers. Mental health clinicians require training in identification, risk assessment and response, including referrals to behavioural programmes. More research is required to inform such responses; however, the need to address this common hidden problem in mental health settings is urgent.

Investigating the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment and teen dating violence victimization

BACKGROUND

Childhood maltreatment is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for teen dating violence (TDV) victimization. However, far too little research has studied the mechanisms that could explain this higher risk of revictimization. The present study investigated the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment, TDV victimization occurrence and chronicity, and TDV-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 2780 adolescents, aged 13 to 19, completed measures of childhood maltreatment and alexithymia at Time 1 and TDV victimization and TDV-related PTSD symptoms at Time 2 (6 months later). Two mediational models were tested to examine the role of alexithymia as a risk factor for revictimization. One model assessed TDV occurrence as an outcome, while the other explored TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms as outcomes.

RESULTS

Findings suggest that cumulative childhood maltreatment is associated with an increased probability of TDV occurrence through alexithymia. Cumulative childhood maltreatment and alexithymia are also associated with TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms. Notably, cumulative childhood maltreatment is associated with higher levels of alexithymia among adolescent victims of TDV, which, in turn, predicts higher TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms.

LIMITATIONS

This study relied on abbreviated measures and did not include all forms of child maltreatment (e.g., emotional and physical neglect).

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting emotional awareness and identification among youth victims of child maltreatment could reduce the risk of TDV occurrence, TDV chronicity, and TDV-related PTSD symptoms.

Internalized Homonegativity, Emotion Dysregulation, and Physical Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: A Psychological Mediation Framework-Based Model

Same-sex intimate partner violence (SSIPV) is still under-investigated despite its spreading. Unique risk factors, such as internalized homonegativity, have been found to be related to physical SSIPV perpetration. However, the mechanisms that regulate this association are still unclear. Drawing from the psychological mediation framework (PMF), this paper aimed to explore the relationship between internalized homonegativity and physical SSIPV perpetration, assessing the mediating role of emotion dysregulation. In all, 139 gay and lesbian participants involved in same-sex relationships participated in the study by completing a self-administered online questionnaire. Mediation analyses were used to assess both the direct and indirect effects. Internalized homonegativity was not directly associated with physical SSIPV perpetration. However, internalized homonegativity was positively associated with emotion dysregulation, which, in turn, was positively associated with physical SSIPV perpetration. The indirect effect of internalized homonegativity on physical SSIPV perpetration through emotion dysregulation was also confirmed. The results that emerged extend the application of the PMF to SSIPV. The data found can inform both preventive interventions and treatments targeting SSIPV perpetrators to reduce the phenomenon and limit recidivism.

Emotion Regulation in Couples Across Adulthood

Intimate relationships are hotbeds of emotion. This article presents key findings and current directions in research on couples' emotion regulation across adulthood as a critical context in which older adults not only maintain functioning but may also outshine younger adults. First, I introduce key concepts, defining qualities (i.e., dynamic, coregulatory, bidirectional, bivalent), and measures (i.e., self-report versus performance-based) of couples' emotion regulation. Second, I highlight a socioemotional turn in our understanding of adult development with the advent of socioemotional selectivity theory. Third, I offer a life-span developmental perspective on emotion regulation in couples (i.e., across infancy, adolescence and young adulthood, midlife, and late life). Finally, I present the idea that emotion regulation may shift from "me to us" across adulthood and discuss how emotion regulation in couples may become more important, better, and increasingly consequential (e.g., for relationship outcomes, well-being, and health) with age. Ideas for future research are then discussed.