Anomie and Psychological Violence as Predictors of Perpetrated Physical Violence in Close Relationships by Female Adults

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine the predictive power of the anomie and dimensions of psychological violence in predicting perpetrated physical violence by female adults. The sample was convenient and consisted of 341 female adults, aged 18 to 65 years (M = 25.04, SD = 8.97). Anomie was assessed by the scores on the Perception of Anomie Scale. Violent behavior was assessed by The Violent Behavior Questionnaire among adults (VBQ; dimensions: mocking and making rough jokes, machinations and plotting and insulting and threatening (psychological violence), light hitting, poking, pushing and beating with or without objects (physical violence)). Two hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. In the first model age was included, in the second anomie and in the third dimensions of psychological violence. The results suggest a significant model for light hitting, teasing, pushing away (R2 = .37, F(5,335) = 39.93, p < .001) with anomie (β = .12, p = .006), mocking and making rough jokes (β = .29, p < .001) and insulting and threatening (β = .33, p < .001) being the significant predictors. The results also suggest a significant model for beating with or without objects (R2 = .23, F(5,335) = 20.19, p < .001) with age (β = .15, p = .004), anomie (β = .10, p = .044), machinations and plotting (β = .15, p = .012) and insulting and threatening (β = .29, p < .001) being the significant predictors. The results indicate the connection of different forms of violent behavior. In addition, they show the importance of the wider social context in predicting violent behavior e.g., the personal experience of alienation from society in which the individual lives.