An examination of within and between family influences on the intergenerational transmission of violence and maltreatment

• In Event: The Continued Expansion of Biosocial Criminology

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant problem that results in long term mental and physical health issues. Previous research has identified a wide range of factors that potentially contribute to IPV perpetration, with childhood maltreatment being one of the more commonly examined source of influence. Despite these contributions, previous research has not adequately distinguished childhood maltreatment from additional sources of influence that tend to cluster within families. The current study attempts to distinguish exposure to maltreatment from other potential sources of familial influence through the use of a sibling sample from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Sibling comparison designs are used to examine the association between maltreatment in childhood and IPV perpetration in adulthood. The results reveal that experiencing maltreatment in childhood significantly increases the likelihood of various forms of IPV even after controlling for influences that cluster within families. Additional models revealed persistent significant associations even after including a comprehensive number of covariates such as additional forms of delinquency and victimization, socioeconomic status and demographic characteristics. The theoretical and methodological implications of these findings are discussed in more detail.

Authors

• Bradon A. Valgardson, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Joseph Schwartz, University of Nebraska at Omaha