Subtyping male perpetrators of intimate partner violence

Gaslighting Exposure During Emerging Adulthood: Personality Traits and Vulnerability Paths

Among the many forms of psychological violence, gaslighting is a particularly insidious manipulative behaviour that includes acts aimed at controlling and altering one's own partner's sensations, thoughts, actions, affective state, self-perception, and reality-testing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the experience of gaslighting and dysfunctional aspects of the partner's personality. Gaslighter personality facets were assessed using the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Informant Form-Adult (PID-5-IRF), while gaslighting behaviours were assessed using a 25-item questionnaire, based on the three categories of glamour, good-guy, and intimidator (Stern, 2007). The sample was made up of a group of 177 Italian emerging adults aged between 19 and 26 (49.2% male, 50.8% female; M = 21.88, SD = 1.75), enrolled at University, who participated voluntarily in the research. In fact, none of them received any form of direct or indirect incentive. In our study, we applied a beta regression model mapping the Likert scale into the open interval (0,1). The main results show (a) good-guy gaslighting is positively associated with manipulativeness and negatively associated with deceitfulness; (b) glamour gaslighting has a negative association with separation insecurity and manipulativeness, but it is positively associated with irresponsibility; (c) intimidator gaslighting has a positive association with separation insecurity and distractibility and a negative association with eccentricity and perceptual dysregulation; (d) all three gaslighting categories are negatively associated with anhedonia and impulsivity. Based on what emerged from the data, aspects such as separation insecurity, irresponsibility, and distractibility can be seen as serious risk factors for gaslighting. For this reason, with regard to clinical implications, an early recognition of dysfunctional traits in potential abusers should be fostered in order to protect both potential abusers and their partner from aggressive conduct within an intimate relationship.

The search for tailored treatments: Discussion of five interventions for perpetrators of intimate partner violence

This commentary on five articles comprising this Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session issue on therapeutic interventions for perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) brings together relevant issues reflected in these papers concerning the need for tailored treatments for a heterogenous population of individuals with differing characteristics, psychopathology, risk factors and needs. Among the key issues addressed in this commentary are typologies of IPV, the influence of personality disorder and attachment in the predisposition to perpetrating IPV and identifying therapeutic factors common to these interventions. The discussion is contextualised within a field beset by controversy and political ideology which limits the impact of empirical research.

A Qualitative Study of Intimate Partner Violence From the Perpetrator's Perspective

Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) has shown promising results in reducing aggression in intimate partner violence (IPV) relationships. A cornerstone of effective CBT is the assessment and measure of cognitions, behaviors, interactions, and conditions surrounding the violence. Unfortunately, there is limited perpetrator-based research that focuses on these aspects of IPV. The purpose of this study was to question perpetrators about the behaviors, interactions, cognitions, and conditions that precipitate and maintain abuse. Such information, along with similar data collected in a companion study of victims, is intended to assist in better understanding perpetrator violence, which can serve as the foundation of effective cognitive-behavioral (CB) IPV assessment, measurement, and treatment. Twelve heterosexual perpetrators receiving treatment for IPV completed structured audiotaped interviews focusing on CB phenomena, that is, the cognitions, behaviors, feelings, interactions, and conditions perpetrators have before, during, and after an IPV incident. Transcripts were coded and analyzed to develop a broad categorized list of discrete IPV phenomena over time. Among the findings relating to violent incidents was indication that despite the progression of abuse that compels perpetrators uncontrollably toward a violent episode, both partners simultaneously engage in numerous preventive attempts. The findings are ultimately intended to contribute to an instrument or treatment assessment method that can more accurately measure IPV phenomena emphasizing core CB concepts.

Borderline Personality Features, Anger, and Intimate Partner Violence: An Experimental Manipulation of Rejection

Individuals with borderline personality features may be susceptible to react to situational stressors with negative and interpersonally maladaptive emotionality (e.g., anger) and aggression. The current study attempted to test two moderated mediation models to investigate dispositional risk factors associated with borderline personality features and intimate partner violence (IPV). Results from an experimental rejection induction paradigm were examined using moderated regression to observe contextual reactions to imagined romantic rejection from a current romantic partner among individuals with borderline personality features. An ethnically diverse sample of 218 undergraduates at a large public university in the southwestern United States was recruited. Participants responded to demographic questions and self-report measures, and engaged in an experimental rejection induction paradigm. Borderline personality features was positively associated with rejection sensitivity, physical assault, and psychological aggression. Contrary to initial hypotheses, rejection sensitivity did not serve as a mediator of the relations between borderline personality features and physical assault and psychological aggression. However, trait anger mediated the relation between borderline personality features and psychological aggression. As such, trait anger may be an important explanatory variable in the relation between borderline personality features and psychological aggression specifically. Results of the rejection induction paradigm indicated that, for individuals who were asked to imagine an ambiguous rejection, the relation between borderline personality features and state anger post-rejection was strengthened. For individuals who imagined a critical rejection, there was no significant relation between borderline personality features and state anger post-rejection. Findings suggest that trait anger may be an important dispositional factor in the link between borderline personality features and IPV. In addition, contextual factors, such as ambiguous rejection by an intimate partner, may be especially relevant in activating anger or aggression in individuals with borderline personality features.

The Impact of Perpetrator Characteristics on the Completion of a Partner Abuse Intervention Program

This study examined how type of perpetrator (family only [FO] vs. generally violent [GV]), readiness to change, and stake in conformity function separately and together in predicting completion of a partner abuse intervention program (PAIP). Data were collected from 192 male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) who were court mandated to attend a PAIP. Participants were categorized as FO violent or GV based on a combination of their self-report and official records of violence. Stake in conformity has been defined as the degree to which an individual is invested in the values and institutions of a society. A composite stake in conformity score was computed for each participant based on his education level, and marital and employment status. Each participant was also assigned a stage of change score based on his responses on a validated measure of stage of change for domestic violence perpetrators. Analyses indicated that stage of change was not related to program completion or attendance. Type of perpetrator and stake in conformity composite score were significantly related to program completion. Perpetrators with higher stake in conformity scores and individuals categorized as FO attended more PAIP sessions and were more likely to complete the program. When both predictors were examined together, only stake in conformity composite score uniquely predicted program attendance and completion. These findings provide additional evidence that subtype of IPV perpetrator has implications for treatment responsiveness and provide preliminary evidence for the value of improved measurement of investment in societal institutions.

Male, National, and Religious Collective Narcissism Predict Sexism

Results of three cross-sectional studies indicate that sexism in Poland is associated with collective narcissism—a belief that one’s own group’s (the in-group’s) exaggerated exceptionality is not sufficiently recognized by others—with reference to three social identities: male, religious, and national. In Study 1 (n = 329), male collective narcissism was associated with sexism. This relationship was sequentially mediated by precarious manhood and traditional gender beliefs. In Study 2 (n = 877), Catholic collective narcissism predicted tolerance of violence against women (among men and women) over and above religious fundamentalism and in contrast to intrinsic religiosity. In Study 3 (n = 1070), national collective narcissism was associated with hostile sexism among men and women and with benevolent sexism more strongly among women than among men. In contrast, national in-group satisfaction—a belief that the nation is of a high value—predicted rejection of benevolent and hostile sexism among women but was positively associated with hostile and benevolent sexism among men. Among men and women collective narcissism was associated with tolerance of domestic violence against women, whereas national in-group satisfaction was associated with rejection of violence against women.

Intimate Partner Violence: Variations in Perpetrators and Treatment Allocation

The division of batterers into subtypes is hardly ever used, neither to describe the type of perpetrator nor to indicate in the clinical decision-making process what treatment should be offered. In this study, a sample of male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) who had been advised to seek treatment at a community-based Dutch forensic psychiatric facility (N = 110), either voluntarily or mandatorily, have been divided into four subtypes based on a model reported by Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart (1994). The four subtypes are Family-Only (FO), Borderline-Dysphoric (BD), Generally Violent Antisocial (GVA), and Low-Level Antisocial (LLA). The aim of the study was to identify the subtypes and to compare the different groups on descriptive dimensions and treatment allocation. In the first part of the study, aside from identifying the batterer subtypes, important differences between the subtypes were encountered in the nature of the violence (structural vs. incidental). The characteristics of the BD subtype were found to be similar to the model except for the psychopathological dimension. Differences in allocation of treatment types between batterer subtypes were not substantial raising questions about the correspondence between typological subtypes and the judgment of clinicians. These results do suggest that more attention should be paid to the heterogeneity of the batterer population, which could improve treatment and advance our understanding of IPV.

Psychophysiological Reactivity Profiles of Partner-Violent Men With Borderline or Psychopathic Personality Features: The Role of Empathy

Borderline and psychopathic features have been linked to unique psychophysiological reactivity profiles. Studies have suggested that levels of psychophysiological reactivity for partner-violent men cannot be attributed to personality features alone. This study tested cognitive and affective empathy as moderators of relations between borderline personality, Factor 1 psychopathy, and psychophysiological reactivity using a community sample of 135 male participants and their female partners. Cognitive empathy moderated the relation between borderline personality features and heart rate reactivity. Affective empathy moderated the relation between Factor 1 psychopathy features and heart rate reactivity. However, directions of these interactions were contrary to original predictions. Understanding unique empathy deficits may be beneficial for identifying ways to minimize relationship conflict, manage arousal, and decrease violence.

Clinical and Personality Disorders in a Danish Treatment-Seeking Sample of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health concern with profound psychological consequences. Perpetrators often have a history of childhood trauma and a range of co-occurring psychiatric problems, which may have implications for treatment. This study examines the prevalence of psychiatric and personality disorders (PD) among perpetrators and the association between a range of demographic, childhood trauma, and adult criminality variables for the most prominent disorders. Data were collected from IPV perpetrators ( n = 529) engaging in a treatment program, ' Dialogue Against Violence'. High rates of childhood trauma were observed. There was significant variation in the prevalence of clinical disorders and PDs, with Antisocial PD and Anxiety Disorder being the most common. A clinical disorder was the strongest predictor of PDs, likewise a PD was the strongest predictor of clinical disorders. Findings demonstrated that IPV perpetrators have a number of personality and clinical disorders and traumatic histories that need to be considered within a treatment perspective.

Patterns of psychological health problems and family maltreatment among United States Air Force members

OBJECTIVES

We sought to identify subgroups of individuals based on patterns of psychological health problems (PH; e.g., depressive symptoms, hazardous drinking) and family maltreatment (FM; e.g., child and partner abuse).

METHOD

We analyzed data from very large surveys of United States Air Force active duty members with romantic partners and children.

RESULTS

Latent class analyses indicated six replicable patterns of PH problems and FM. Five of these classes, representing ∼98% of survey participants, were arrayed ordinally, with increasing risk of multiple PH problems and FM. A sixth group defied this ordinal pattern, with pronounced rates of FM and externalizing PH problems, but without correspondingly high rates/levels of internalizing PH problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Ramifications of these results for intervention are discussed.

Therapeutic interventions in intimate partner violence: an overview

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its prevention is a global public health priority. There is strong scientific evidence that suggests IPV and symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, chronic pain, etc. are linked. Despite recommendations and various interventions for the treatment of IPV that have been tried in these last 20 years, the rates of recurrence are still too high. Furthermore, there is a lack of research evidence for the effectiveness of the most common treatments provided for victims and perpetrators of IPVs. The purpose of this paper is to present most used, at a global level, therapeutic interventions for women experiencing IPV (as well as treatments for perpetrators). The possibility of building a preliminary theoretical and clinical model is discussed.

Revisiting the Derivation of Batterer Subtypes: Towards Profiling the Abuser

Research directed toward profiling an abuser to develop effective treatment modalities should consider the framework for how batterer subtypes were developed. This article evaluates a seminal work in batterer typology for a review of its method and findings. Findings indicate that the formation of batterer subtypes rely on unstable theory and methods: (a) Variables were not held constant, (b) Theoretical constructs lack clarity, (c) There were unclear boundaries for subtypes. A re-evaluation of this particular line of typology research should address the utility and relevance of these batterer subtypes in an effort to address methodological implications that may help profile and treat abusers.

Borderline personality disorder and related constructs as risk factors for intimate partner violence perpetration

In this manuscript we systematically reviewed 29 articles from 2010 to 2014 that addressed the association between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, with particular attention paid to the role of perpetrator sex. Our primary objective was to provide a summary of (1) the operationalization and measurement of BPD and IPV, (2) mechanisms of the BPD-IPV association, and (3)the current understanding of the role of perpetrator sex related to BPD and IPV. We observed three distinct operational definitions of BPD which are measured in a variety of ways. IPV measurement tends to be more consistent. Further, emotion perception, impulsivity, attachment, and substance use are proposed mechanisms to explain the BPD IPV relation. The findings regarding potential perpetrator sex differences in the BPD-IPV association are mixed. Finally, we also provide recommendations for future research and clinical practice.

Correlates of intimate partner violence perpetration: results from a National Epidemiologic Survey

This study presents data on the association of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and rates of psychiatric disorders, and other correlates. Data were drawn from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States, 18 years and older, residing in households and group quarters. The sample comprised adults who reported being in a relationship within the past 12 months (N = 25,631). Of these, 1,677 individuals reported perpetrating IPV (4.2% in men, 7.0% in women). Compared to non-IPV perpetrators, IPV perpetrators had greater odds of having any psychiatric disorder, 42.0% and 67.7%, respectively, OR = 2.89, 95% CI [2.51, 3.32]. After adjusting for the effects of nuisance variables, being younger, having an alcohol use disorder, a personality disorder, low levels of social support, and low income were associated with perpetration. Across a wide range of factors, IPV victimization itself had the strongest association with perpetration, AOR = 66.12, 95% CI [55.01, 79.48]. Mental health assessments of IPV perpetrators might offer an opportunity to identify and treat psychiatric disorders and improve the clinical course of conditions that can be affected by ongoing acts of violence.

Associations Between Dysfunctional Personality Traits and Intimate Partner Violence in Perpetrators and Victims

In the current study, the role of borderline and antisocial personality traits and psychological and physical forms of intimate partner violence were examined. Using self- and partner-reports, 30 perpetrators (28 males) and 30 victims (29 females) of partner violence, including 23 (former) couples, were interviewed. Results showed that perpetrators (i.e., males) were higher on antisocial personality traits than victims (i.e., females), but the two groups did not differ on borderline traits and self-reported violence. Moreover, borderline traits were associated with partner violence in general, whereas antisocial personality traits were associated with physical, but not psychological, partner violence. Analyses on (former) couples suggest that there is little congruence between perpetrators' and victims' reports of partner violence. In conclusion, the findings of the current study not only emphasized the complex nature of intimate partner violence but also showed that dysfunctional personality traits and gender play a significant role in both the display and reporting of partner violence.

The validity and clinical utility of structured diagnoses of antisocial personality disorder with forensic patients

Current DSM-based instruments for personality disorders (PDs) limit the investigation of the course and outcome of treatment of these disorders. This study examined the validity of the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200 (SWAP-200) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II PD (SCID-II) in a sample of forensic PD patients. Results based on 66 participants indicated that the SWAP-200 Q-factors reduced the frequency of diagnostic comorbidity of PD categories by half compared with the SCID-II. Only the SWAP-200's Antisocial PD category showed good convergent and discriminant validity with respect to other instruments describing aspects of PD. The validity of the cutoff score for severe antisocial PD was confirmed, and this category predicted severe incidents in the hospital at 1 year of follow-up. A violence risk scale was constructed, which differentiated violent and nonviolent offenders. The results support the validity of the SWAP-200 and its potential clinical utility with forensic PD patients.

An expanded approach to batterer intervention programs incorporating neuroscience research

Batterer Intervention Programs have been critiqued for failing to incorporate treatment strategies that are supported by neurobiology research. This article reviews findings that have informed the treatment of disorders that are strongly represented among perpetrators of intimate violence, such as addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. The article argues for an expanded perspective that recognizes the relationships among childhood trauma, emotional regulation impairment, and intimate partner violence. Recommendations and ways to draw on emerging knowledge to invigorate existing programs are provided.