The purpose of this study is to determine the contribution of male unemployment and each partner’s problem drinking to risk for male-to-female partner violence (MFPV) and female-to-male partner violence (FMPV) among a sample of construction industry workers and their spouses/partners. Participants in the sample (n=848 couples) completed cross-sectional health behavior surveys. Multivariate logistic regression models of MFPV and FMPV, with adjustment for demographic and psychosocial variables, were developed. Approximately 20% of couples reported MFPV, and 24% reported FMPV. Results indicated that couples in which the male was a problem drinker, and in which the male worker reported being currently unemployed, were at risk for MFPV. Number of months unemployed by the male worker was significantly associated with FMPV, but problem drinking was not associated with this outcome. Male and female impulsivity were significantly associated with risk for MFPV and FMPV, and the male’s report of adverse childhood events was associated with increased likelihood of MFPV. There was no evidence for the effects of unemployment being moderated (exacerbated) by problem drinking. Workplace-based prevention efforts may be a feasible and important strategy to reduce problem drinking and partner violence among high-risk occupational groups.
A mixed method study assessed how work culture and drinking norms affect heavy drinking patterns of young adults during their first 3 years in the U.S. Navy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the longitudinal survey data showed that normative beliefs were significantly associated with changes in drinking. Findings from thematic analyses of qualitative interviews and naturalistic observations on bases and aboard ships explained those elements of U.S. Navy culture and work environments that affect normative beliefs about drinking behavior.
Although day laborers are likely to suffer from high rates of work-related stress, there are no survey measures that focus on stress among this occupational group. Accordingly, we tested the validity and reliability of the Migrant Stress Inventory (MSI), a scale originally designed for migrant farmworkers. Based on survey data collected from day laborers (N = 102) in two Northern California communities, the MSI was found to have adequate internal consistency, yet additional analyses indicated a different factor structure for the subscales. New subscales (relationships, communication, alcohol and other drug use, years in the United States, age, deportation concerns, discrimination experience) with this sample had strong reliability, as well as construct validity. In all, 57.8% of day laborers experienced high rates of stress, and factor analysis differentiated four stressor domains: instability, relationships, communication, and alcohol and other drug use. Moreover, 39.2% of respondents reported lifetime difficulties with alcohol, although alcohol difficulties were not associated with stress. Implications for further research are discussed based on these findings.
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