Negative Emotionality, Strain, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: A General Strain Theory Approach to IPV

• In Event: Emotions, Empathy, and Consequences of Strain

Abstract

The study applied a General Strain Theory (GST) framework to the explanation of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. GST provides a valuable perspective for differentiating between abusers and non-abusers based on responses to strain, negative affective states and traits, and available coping strategies. Anger and emotionality, as well as major life stressors (e.g., unemployment), have been proposed to explain IPV perpetration but few studies have explored the moderating or mediating effects of anger or negative emotionality on responses to strain among this population. To explore the roles of strain and negative emotionality on IPV perpetration, secondary data from a survey of 872 undergraduates were analyzed using a series of logistic regression models. Models were first estimated with the full sample, then sex-specific models were estimated to explore any differences in the relationships between negative emotionality, strain, and IPV perpetration across men and women. Implications for theory and future research will be discussed.

Authors

• Michaela Elizabeth Goldsmith, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Todd Armstrong, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Tara Richards, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Danielle Boisvert, Sam Houston State University

• Jessica Wells, Boise State University

• Richard H. Lewis, University of Arkansas at Little Rock