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Binnie V, Jessup M, Le Brocque R, Johnston ANB. 'I've got to go in there with my armour on': Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Adults Who Frequently Attend Emergency Departments. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38886983 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Frequent presentations to emergency departments contribute to increased service demands and healthcare costs. Literature suggests these adult presentations may be influenced by childhood adversity. This qualitatively driven, mixed methods study explored the self-perceived role of childhood adversity in the health of adults who frequently attended Australian Emergency Departments and their perceptions of the healthcare they received. Data were collected using validated instruments and semi-structured interviews with 12 purposefully sampled adults who frequently attended emergency departments. Qualitative data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Three major themes were identified-The experience of childhood adversity: articulating challenges related to childhood trauma, and the subsequent impacts on participants' health, behaviours, relationships and sense of control; Pursuing safety: exploring action participants took to keep themselves and others safe, with this requirement extending into adulthood and influencing Emergency Department presentations; and Seeking humanising healthcare: identifying challenges participants experienced while seeking care in the Emergency Department. Participants perceived their mental health to be profoundly affected by their past experiences of trauma, leaving them feeling vulnerable at times and more likely to experience re-traumatisation in the Emergency Department. Feelings of stigmatisation during Emergency Department encounters led participants to employ self-protection strategies creating further barriers to recovery. Participants described Emergency Departments as often failing to comprehensively address their healthcare needs. They offered suggestions for more effective care interventions. Findings highlight the need for further research to inform policy and practice when designing and implementing interventions for these adults. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guided study reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Binnie
- School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melanie Jessup
- School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robyne Le Brocque
- School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy N B Johnston
- Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Machado A, Sousa C, Cunha O. Bidirectional Violence in Intimate Relationships: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:1680-1694. [PMID: 37594220 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231193440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence is a public health problem with significant consequences at different levels. Over the years, the literature has shown that most violence is not unidirectional and perpetrated by men against women but rather bidirectional, in which both couple elements may be victims, perpetrators, or both. In this systematic literature review, we aimed to systematize the empirical knowledge to assess the prevalence of bidirectional violence, the most reported types of violence, and the influence of sex and sexual orientation on this phenomenon. The search for this systematic review was conducted in four databases, and we included studies that showed the prevalence of bidirectional violence in samples aged over 18 years, in articles written in English or Portuguese, and published between 2012 and 2022. In the qualitative synthesis, 42 empirical studies were included. The results showed that bidirectional violence is the most common pattern of violence, with psychological violence being the most reported type of bidirectional violence; men and women reported bidirectional violence at similar rates, and homosexual couples reported higher percentages of bidirectional violence than heterosexual couples. These results contradict the patriarchalist view of violence that assigns the exclusivity role of the victim to women and of the perpetrator to men, demonstrating that violence occurs regardless of sex or sexual orientation. The practical implications and future directions at the level of public policies to give visibility to the phenomenon will be duly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Machado
- Lusófona University, HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Portugal
| | | | - Olga Cunha
- Lusófona University, HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Portugal
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3
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Heyman RE, Smith Slep AM, Giresi J, Baucom KJW. Couple Conflict Behavior: Disentangling Associations With Relationship Dissatisfaction and Intimate Partner Violence. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2023; 44:2997-3016. [PMID: 37981956 PMCID: PMC10656039 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x221123787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates associations between (a) relationship satisfaction and intimate partner violence (IPV: psychological, physical, and sexual) and (b) observed couples communication behavior. Mixed-sex couples (N=291) were recruited via random digit dialing. Partners completed the Quality of Marriage Index (Norton, 1983), the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (Straus et al., 1996), and one female-initiated and one male-initiated 10-min conflict conversations. Discussions were coded with Rapid Marital Interaction Coding System, 2nd Generation (Heyman et al., 2015). As hypothesized, lower satisfaction was associated with more hostility (p =.018) and less positivity (p < 0.001); more extensive IPV was associated with more hostility (p < 0.001). For negative reciprocity, there was a dissatisfaction × IPV extent × conversation-initiator interaction (p < 0.006). Results showed that conflict behaviors of mixed-sex couples are related to the interplay among gender, satisfaction, and the severity of couple-level IPV. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Scott SB, Pulice-Farrow L, Do QA, Brunett KM, Balsam KF. Intimate Partner Violence in Transgender and Nonbinary Relationships: Actor-Partner Associations with Relationship Satisfaction, Dyadic Coping, and Partner Support. LGBT Health 2023; 10:S20-S27. [PMID: 37754927 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults experience disproportionate levels of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared with cisgender populations. Most research with TNB samples has focused on individual and demographic risk factors associated with IPV. Scarce research with TNB samples has evaluated how relational factors correlate with IPV victimization, which would be more consistent with dyadic models of IPV. The current study assessed associations between relational factors and psychological and physical victimization among TNB adults and their significant others. Methods: The sample included 112 dyads (total N = 224; mean [M] relationship length = 8.2 years; M age = 35) comprising a TNB adult and their significant other. Given our dyadic sample, we used actor-partner interdependence models to assess actor (i.e., intrapersonal) and partner (i.e., cross-partner) associations between relational factors (e.g., relationship satisfaction, dyadic coping, and partner social support) and IPV victimization among TNB individuals and their partners. Results: We identified numerous actor-partner effects across dyadic coping subscales and measures of partner support on TNB adult reports of IPV victimization. Actor effects were also significant for relationship satisfaction on both TNB and their partner's reports of IPV victimization. Conclusion: Results provide some of the first evidence of relational factors in association with IPV victimization among TNB adults and their intimate partners. These findings have clinical implications for identifying TNB individuals at risk for IPV in their relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby B Scott
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Lex Pulice-Farrow
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Quyen A Do
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kaitlin M Brunett
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberly F Balsam
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California, USA
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5
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Tie L, Zheng Y. Gender Directionality of Intimate Partner Violence and Relationship Quality Among Chinese Couples. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231178000. [PMID: 37246524 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231178000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Gender symmetry is a long-standing controversy in intimate partner violence (IPV) research. This study explored the gender directionality of IPV and differences in the quality of relationships between different dyadic patterns. IPV experiences and relationship quality of 371 heterosexual couples were examined. Results indicate that females reported more IPV perpetration than males. Generally, the male-only IPV and bidirectional IPV couples showed lower levels of relationship quality compared with female-only IPV and no-IPV couples. Future studies should realize that different dyadic types of IPV may have different mechanisms and consequences, and more attention should be paid to gender directionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tie
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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6
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Giordano PC, Grace MM, Manning WD, Longmore MA. Gender, Relationship Concerns, and Intimate Partner Violence in Young Adulthood. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023; 38:597-609. [PMID: 37206578 PMCID: PMC10191165 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Few studies have examined gender-specific concerns within intimate relationships that may be associated with conflict escalation and intimate partner violence (IPV). While prior theorizing has emphasized issues such as men's feelings of jealousy, the role of concerns and conflict related to men's actions has not been as thoroughly investigated. We draw on the life course perspective as background for assessing conflict areas related to men's and women's actions during the young adult period, and subsequently the association between such concerns and the odds of reporting IPV in a current/most recent relationship. Method Building on a longitudinal data set focused on a large, diverse sample (Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study, n = 904), we administered surveys that assessed whether disagreements about potential conflict areas-including but not limited to infidelity-related to male or female partner's actions. Results Concerns about women's and men's actions were both related to the odds of reporting IPV experience, but disagreements about male partners' actions during young adulthood were actually more common, and relative to concerns about women's actions, more strongly associated with IPV. Conclusions Research and programmatic efforts should give additional attention to specific areas around which couples' disagreements develop and conflicts sometimes escalate. A dyadic approach adds to the frequent emphasis on emotion management and control that center primarily on one partner's problematic relationship style-thus addressing the 'form' but not the 'content' of intimate partner conflicts. This approach would highlight a broader range of relationship dynamics than are currently included in theorizing and applied efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy C Giordano
- Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic Research, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403
| | - Mackenzie M Grace
- Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic Research, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403
| | - Wendy D Manning
- Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic Research, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403
| | - Monica A Longmore
- Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic Research, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403
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7
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St-Pierre Bouchard J, Brassard A, Lefebvre AA, Dugal C, Lafontaine MF, Savard C, Daspe MÈ, Péloquin K, Godbout N. Cumulative Childhood Trauma, Communication Patterns, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men Seeking Help. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:6843-6864. [PMID: 36452964 PMCID: PMC10052413 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221138651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex and multifactorial public health problem associated with important physical and psychological repercussions. Recent studies suggest that cumulative childhood trauma (CCT) may be related to higher IPV perpetration through dysfunctional communication patterns, but to our knowledge, no study has tested this proposition in a clinical population. This study aimed to explore the direct and indirect links between CCT and perpetrated IPV through dysfunctional communication patterns among 577 men seeking help from community centers specializing in IPV. Prior to receiving services, participants completed a battery of questionnaires including validated brief measures of CCT (sexual, physical, and psychological abuse; physical and psychological neglect; witnessing of physical and psychological parental violence; bullying), communication patterns (demand/demand, partner demands/man withdraws, man demands/partner withdraws), and IPV (psychological, physical, coercive control). Results from a path analysis reveal that having sustained a higher number of different forms of childhood trauma is directly related to men's higher risk of perpetrating psychological IPV. CCT is also indirectly related to higher perpetrated psychological and physical IPV and coercive control through a higher report of the demand/demand communication pattern and a higher report of the man demands/partner withdraws communication pattern. The tested model explains 23% of the variance in psychological IPV, 6% of the variance in physical IPV, and 12% of the variance in coercive control. Results highlight the importance of assessing, in therapy, both distal and proximal variables associated with IPV, including the accumulation of many forms of childhood interpersonal trauma, and to tailor trauma-informed interventions that promote constructive communication strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Audrey Brassard
- University of Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- The Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), QC, Canada
| | - Audrey-Ann Lefebvre
- University of Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- The Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Dugal
- University of Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- The Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), QC, Canada
| | | | - Claudia Savard
- The Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), QC, Canada
- Laval University, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Daspe
- The Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), QC, Canada
- University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- The Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), QC, Canada
- University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Natacha Godbout
- The Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS), QC, Canada
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
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8
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Franz MR, Smethurst M, Barry RA, Cole HE, Taft CT. Women's Disengagement Behaviors During Couple Conflict: Investigating Risk Indicators of Intimate Partner Violence. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023:8862605231163644. [PMID: 37032559 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231163644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern, leading to prevention efforts focused on identifying risk indicators of escalating conflict between partners. Certain behaviors during conflict discussions have been uniquely linked to IPV, and there is evidence that disengagement behaviors-an emerging construct-are associated with IPV as well. However, research on disengagement and IPV has largely been limited to self-report, and available observational research is largely cross-sectional. Addressing these limitations, this study prospectively examined the association between observed disengagement behaviors during couple's conflict discussions and IPV 1 year later, using a sample of 83 heterosexual married or cohabitating partners. Behavioral coding was used to assess each partner's observed disengagement behaviors and each partner's psychological and physical IPV was assessed via questionnaire 1 year later. Linear regressions were used to investigate links between indicators of engagement (i.e., listening, questions, eye contact) and psychological and physical IPV perpetration and victimization. Less question asking and higher eye contact by women were associated with greater psychological and physical IPV perpetrated by both women and men 1 year later. Lower listening behaviors by women were associated with greater psychological (but not physical) IPV perpetrated by men 1 year later. In contrast, no disengagement behaviors displayed by men were significantly related to IPV. Applying a latent change score framework using baseline IPV data, findings indicated replicability of results, though with less consistency, suggesting that women's disengagement behaviors may reflect a larger pattern of abuse that predates and follows disengaged couple interactions. Findings suggest that a unique blend of verbal and nonverbal indicators of women's disengagement during couple conflict provides a meaningful signal of the emotional climate of the relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madeline Smethurst
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Casey T Taft
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, MA, USA
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9
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Giordano PC, Grace MM, Longmore MA, Manning WD. "Micro-cultures" of conflict: Couple-level perspectives on reasons for and causes of intimate partner violence in young adulthood. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2022; 84:1062-1080. [PMID: 36245675 PMCID: PMC9545234 DOI: 10.1111/jomf.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective To highlight the development of young adult couples' shared understandings about reasons for conflict in their relationships, views about why some disagreements included the use of aggression ("causes"), and gendered perspectives on these relationship dynamics. Background Feminist theories have centered on relationship dynamics associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), but have focused primarily on men's concerns (e.g., jealousy) and use of violence as a means of control over female partners. The current analysis drew on symbolic interaction theory as a framework for exploring couple-level concerns, and ways in which dyadic communication contributes to these understandings, or what can be considered "micro-cultures" of conflict. Method The study relied on in-depth interviews with a heterogeneous sample of IPV-experienced young adults who had participated in a larger longitudinal study (Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study [TARS]) and separate interviews with their partners (n = 90). Results Analyses revealed that women's concerns about men's actions (e.g., infidelity) were frequently cited as reasons for serious conflicts, and showed significant concordance in partners' reports. Shared understandings sometimes extended to views on the role of more distal causes (e.g., family background) and the meaning(s) of each partner's use of aggression. Gendered dynamics included men's tendency to minimize women's concerns, and both partners' more open discussions of women's perpetration. Conclusions Theories of IPV and associated programmatic efforts should include attention to the social construction of these "micro-cultures," as these shared meanings affect behavior, are potentially malleable, and add to the more intuitive focus on one-sided forces of control and constraint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy C. Giordano
- Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic ResearchBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
| | - Mackenzie M. Grace
- College of Health and Human ServicesBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
| | - Monica A. Longmore
- Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic ResearchBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
| | - Wendy D. Manning
- Department of Sociology and Center for Family and Demographic ResearchBowling Green State UniversityBowling GreenOhioUSA
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Samyoun S, Mondol AS, Stankovic J. A Multimodal Framework for Robustly Distinguishing among Similar Emotions using Wearable Sensors. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:4668-4671. [PMID: 36085654 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Detecting the correct emotion is crucial for improved mental health outcomes. While the existing works on emotion recognition focus on detecting the common or primary emotions only, there exists some uncommon or secondary emotions of similar kind (e.g., contempt vs anger) that makes accurate emotion detection challenging. Moreover, there exists limited labeled data on such secondary emotions. We present the first work to accurately discriminate among such similar emotions by generating distinguishable data for the secondary emotions using convenient multimodal wrist sensors. Extensive evaluations show that our novel solution provides around 7-36 % F1-score improvement to existing solutions for similar emotions, and also significantly reduces the burden on providing labeled emotion data.
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11
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Dugal C, Brassard A, Claing A, Lefebvre AA, Audet A, Paradis-Lavallée R, Godbout N, Péloquin K. Attachment Insecurities and Sexual Coercion in Same- and Cross-Gender Couples: The Mediational Role of Couple Communication Patterns. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 47:743-763. [PMID: 34296961 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1944937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of subtle strategies to have sex with an unwilling partner is harmful to a couple's sexual well-being but these strategies remain understudied. This research examined the mediating role of communication patterns in the associations between attachment insecurities and sustained sexual coercion in 145 same- and cross-gender couples, and the moderating role of partners' gender. In addition to actor and partner effects, results revealed significant indirect effects from attachment insecurities to sexual coercion via communication patterns, with moderating effects of gender. Results may help practitioners and researchers understand the ways attachment insecurities and dysfunctional communication patterns can manifest in the experience of subtle forms of sexual coercion within couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dugal
- Département de psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Département de psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Aurélie Claing
- Département de psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | | | - Ariane Audet
- Département de psychologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | | | - Natacha Godbout
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Godfrey DA, Babcock JC. Facial affect recognition moderates the relation between autonomic nervous system reactivity and aggression during dyadic conflict. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13588. [PMID: 32323355 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Researchers examining physiological factors of emotion have identified differential patterns of physiological reactivity among intimate partner violence perpetrators during interpersonal conflict. Although it is unclear what mechanisms are influencing these distinct physiological patterns, research suggests that perpetrators' ability to decode emotions may be involved. The current study examined how the relation between an individual's physiological reactivity and their aggression during conflict with an intimate partner is influenced by the affect they are exposed to and their affect recognition ability. Sixty-seven heterosexual couples completed self-report measures and participated in a conflict discussion while physiological measures were recorded. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) was indexed by Skin Conductance Level (SCL) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) by Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA). Aggressive affect was coded from video. Additionally, men were administered a facial affect recognition task. Results indicated that observed aggression during the conflict discussion was associated with RSA and SCL suppression, but only for men with moderate to high affect recognition ability. Additionally, the interaction effects between physiological reactivity and affect recognition on male aggression was conditional on their partner exhibiting at least moderate levels of aggressive affect. Findings from our study suggest that the relation between autonomic nervous system reactivity during conflict and aggression toward an intimate partner is conditional on men's ability to decode the facial affect of their partner. For individuals who were able to decode aggressive affect from their partner, aggression was associated with decreased parasympathetic and SNS activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A Godfrey
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julia C Babcock
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Godfrey DA, Kehoe CM, Bastardas-Albero A, Babcock JC. Empathy Mediates the Relations between Working Memory and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence and Aggression. Behav Sci (Basel) 2020; 10:E63. [PMID: 32150915 PMCID: PMC7139593 DOI: 10.3390/bs10030063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in executive functioning have been associated with aggressive and violent behavior toward intimate partners. However, it is unclear what specific mechanisms are being affected by cognitive deficits that increase an individual's tendency to become aggressive. The current study examined empathy as a mediating factor between deficits in working memory and perpetration of intimate partner aggression and violence. Men in heterosexual relationships (N = 49) were administered a measure of visual-spatial working memory, and questionnaire measures of head injury and empathy. During a second session, men participated in a conflict discussion with their female partner that was coded for aggressive behavior. Female partners also reported on men's physical and psychological abuse. Working memory was positively related to cognitive and affective empathy, and negatively related to men's physical abuse perpetration and observed aggression during the conflict discussion. The effects of working memory on observed aggression during the conflict were fully mediated by cognitive and affective empathy. Additionally, the effects of working memory on reported physical IPV frequency were fully mediated by affective empathy. Deficits in working memory may decrease men's ability to use empathetic processes, resulting in increased aggression and violence toward their intimate partners. Clinically, incorporating empathy training in battering intervention programs may be helpful, especially among men with deficits in cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A. Godfrey
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA; (C.M.K.); (A.B.-A.); (J.C.B.)
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A Dyadic Examination of Individual Symptomology and Relational Functioning Within the Context of IPV. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-019-09512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Armenti NA, Babcock JC. Psychophysiological Reactivity Profiles of Partner-Violent Men With Borderline or Psychopathic Personality Features: The Role of Empathy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2018; 62:3337-3354. [PMID: 29117769 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x17740029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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