Exploring the interplay between misogyny, hypermasculinity, and incel traits in the acceptance of intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional study of a forensic psychiatric population

• In Event: Gender, Crime and Justice Working Group Panel 4: Online violence and abuse

Abstract

This research explores the complex interrelations between misogyny, hypermasculinity, and the characteristics of involuntary celibates (Incels) in relation to the acceptance and perpetration of intimate partner violence. The rationale for this study stems from established literature indicating that men who exhibit violent behavior often show a higher conformity to masculine norms (Amato, 2012), with their perceptions of masculinity significantly influencing their attitudinal and behavioral processes (Tennant & Hughes, 1998). Despite the prevalence of men who have committed violent acts within forensic psychiatric care, research focusing on the role of masculinity in this context remains scarce (Kumpula & Ekstrand, 2009), even though maladaptive perceptions of masculinity are known to be reinforced in secure settings (Searle et al., 2017).
Further, established empirical research highlights how misogynistic attitudes and strict adherence to patriarchal beliefs underlie various forms of gender-based violence, such as intimate partner violence and sexual assault (Casey et al., 2017; Munsch & Willer, 2012). This body of evidence suggests a common psychology of male violence, characterized by shared hostility and grievances against women, perceptions of threat, and a sense of victimhood, all underpinned by mechanisms involving revenge desires and hypermasculine norms (Rottweiler et al., 2024).
Our study aims to contribute to this discourse by providing empirical evidence on the role of misogynistic belief systems as a possible risk factor for different types of male violence in a forensic psychiatric population. The research is ongoing in collaboration with the Territorial Mental Health Department (ASL Roma 1), and preliminary data will be presented. The study could provide useful indications in the prevention and especially in the treatment of psychiatric patients who are offenders entrusted to the mental health department, to avoid recidivism and ensure a positive outcome of the treatments.

Authors

• Benedetta Barchielli, Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, “Sapienza” University of Rome.

• Silvia Bernardini, Department of Mental Health, ASL Rome 1, Rome, Italy

• Giulia Lausi, Faculty of Law, Vilnius University

• Cricenti Clarissa, Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome.

• Giuseppe Ducci, Department of Mental Health, ASL Rome 1, Rome, Italy

• Michele Procacci, Department of Mental Health, ASL Rome 1, Rome, Italy

• Dario Carrus, Department of Mental Health, ASL Rome 1, Rome, Italy

• Silvia Fraticelli, Department of Mental Health, ASL Rome 1, Rome, Italy

• Giannini Anna Maria, Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome.

• Stefano Ferracuti, Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome.