Testing the Validity and Generality of an Internal Power Theory of Intimate Partner Violence

• In Event: Theoretical Developments in Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

The commonly cited “theory” underlying many Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) curricula is that domestic violence offenders are motivated by their need to obtain “power and control” over their intimate partner. However, this “power and control” theory has not been fully developed or empirically tested. In 2015, Wagers articulated Internal Power Theory, within the context of domestic violence, to better understand the power motives of domestic violence offenders. She posited internal power is something intrinsic to the individual, rather than the traditional macro-social view of power, which considers power as extrinsic. At the core of Internal Power Theory is a super-construct called Internal Power, which is comprised of five underlying components. This paper seeks to further develop and empirically test the Internal Power Theory by employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the validity of the Internal Power construct and utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the relationship between the Internal Power factor and self-reported interpersonal abusive and violent behaviors. Next, sex and race invariance are tested on the model of Internal Power theory to examine its general application. Finally, the paper will discuss the implications of Internal Power Theory and its application to current domestic violence offender treatment programs.

Authors

• Shelly Wagers, Radford University

• Jennifer Wareham, Wayne State University

• Christine Sellers, Texas State University