Appraisal Distortions And Intimate Partner Violence: Gender, Power, And Interaction

Abstract

In relationships characterized by control, abuse, or violence, many appraisal distortions occur including denial and minimization. However, the nature of the distortion varies depending on the individual's role in the relationship (i.e., abuser or victim). Reducing these distortions is an important component in treatment success and involves accepting responsibility for actions and attributions. This study used constructivist grounded theory methods to explore the following questions: (1) What are the types of distortions that are used by individuals who have been in violent or abusive relationships? (2) What are the gender and power differences in the appraisal distortions used? (3) What are the functions and interactions of the distortions in the relationship dynamics? Qualitative analysis of interviews with 29 individuals who had been in abusive relationships found that there were several types of distortions used by participants, but there were differences in the function of the distortion, depending on the individual's role in the abuse. These generally corresponded to power and gender, where the male as perpetrator used different distortions (or used similar distortions for different reasons) than did the female as victim. Suggestions for research as well as treatment implications for both offenders and survivors of abuse are given.

Contemporary MFT Theories and Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Systemic Treatments

“…However, during a violence assessment, 53% admit that there has been violence in the relationship. This finding supports others who suggest that people in violent relationships may choose not see the violence as a problem or may minimize the scope of the violence due to fear of consequences from their partners or because it is shaming (see also Jory, 2004;Whiting & Oka, 2009). Even though they operate within an SFBT framework, Stith et al (2002) still promote practical steps of assessment, including having therapists conduct interviews about the violence with each of the partners individually and having couples fill out violence assessment instruments (e.g., the Conflict Tactics Scale) in separate rooms.…”

Why I Stayed/Left: An Analysis of Voices of Intimate Partner Violence on Social Media

“…Additionally, the researchers followed Mayring's (2000) steps to ensure the research procedures were accurate. The researchers were not able to use multiple sources of data; however, triangulation was used in comparing the results of the current study to previous findings related to the research question (Barnett 2001;LanghinrichsenRohling et al 2000;Sleutel 1998;Whiting et al 2012a, b). It was also used in the coding where three coders interactively discussed and refined the emerging categories.…”

“…Short et al (2000) illustrate how violent relationships change victims' identity, with victims reporting themselves as different people after the relationship than they were before violence occurred in the relationship. Furthermore, Whiting et al (2012a, b) reported on the use of distortions by victims to protect self-image, and found that in order to leave an abusive relationship the victim must see the abuse for what it is and not minimize it. This emphasizes the importance of developing a capacity to and desire for leaving the relationship.…”

“…For example, it is very common for a violent man to tell his partner that she deserved what she got, that she is unattractive to other men, or that she is lucky that he is with her (Sleutel 1998). Psychological abuse is commonly found in controlling and violent relationships, and has the effect of instilling self-doubt, self-blame, and feelings of worthlessness or depression (Whiting et al 2012a). Also, the fear and anxiety caused by violence (or threats of violence) is traumatizing, leading to symptoms of PTSD that bring doubts or denial (like becoming numb or blocking out threats).…”

The Self Assessment of Future Events Scale (SAFE): Assessing Perceptions of Risk for Future Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships

“…Examinations of perceptions of safety in relationships characterized by IPV tend to focus on women’s appraisals of safety and characteristics of male batterers (Sleutel, 1998; Dutton, Goodman, & Bennett, 2001). These studies have investigated distortions that occur in an abusive context such as denial, rationalization, or minimization (e.g., Whiting, Oka, & Fife, 2012). Also, scholars have explored the unrealistic beliefs that are associated with either abusive actions (e.g., about gender and entitlement) or the difficulty in getting out of an abusive relationship (Logan, Walker, Jordan, & Leukefeld, 2006).…”