Effects of instigation, anger, and emotion regulation on intimate partner aggression: Examination of “perfect storm” theory.

Abstract

Objective: In the present study, we examined whether intimate partner aggression (IPA) could be predicted by variables corresponding to the I3 model’s “perfect storm” theory (“I-Cubed”; Finkel & Eckhardt, 2013). Accordingly, we investigated whether IPA was predicted by an interaction of three processes: presence of instigatory cues (interpersonal provocation), aggression-impelling traits (dispositional anger), and diminished inhibitory control (poor emotion regulation). Method: Individuals with a history of IPA (N = 180) were randomly assigned to use a specific emotion regulation strategy (cognitive reappraisal, distraction, suppression, or no instruction) while imagining an anger arousing (instigation) or neutral (no instigation) relationship scenario using the Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations paradigm. IPA-related behaviors were assessed via participants’ coded aggressive verbalizations during the Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situation scenarios and self-reported intention to engage in physical aggression. Results: Results supported the “perfect storm” hypothesis that IPA-related outcomes were higher among participants who endorsed high (vs. low) levels of trait anger, experienced provocation, and engaged in suppression as a weak inhibitory strategy for emotion regulation. Conclusions: The use of a comprehensive theoretical framework such as the I3 model for the assessment of interactive risk factors for IPA will aid determining for whom, and under what circumstances, IPA is most likely to occur, and may further inform clinical intervention and social policy.

Attachment, Emotion Dysregulation, and Physical IPV in Predominantly Hispanic, Young Adult Couples

“…The three main factors in I 3 theory are instigators, impelling factors, and inhibiting factors (i.e., the three I’s in I 3 theory) [ 12 ]. Instigators are situational factors that may elicit an aggressive response from a person, such as disparaging remarks made by an intimate partner during conflict or experiencing rejection [ 13 ]. Impelling factors are dispositional or situational factors that increase one’s likelihood of experiencing an aggressive impulse in the presence of an instigating event, and inhibiting factors are those factors that override one’s urge to respond aggressively to instigating events [ 13 ].…”

“…Instigators are situational factors that may elicit an aggressive response from a person, such as disparaging remarks made by an intimate partner during conflict or experiencing rejection [ 13 ]. Impelling factors are dispositional or situational factors that increase one’s likelihood of experiencing an aggressive impulse in the presence of an instigating event, and inhibiting factors are those factors that override one’s urge to respond aggressively to instigating events [ 13 ]. According to Finkel [ 11 , 12 ], when violence-impelling factors are strong and violence-inhibiting factors are weak for at least one intimate partner during an instigating event, violence is likely to occur.…”

“…Two plausible causal factors for perpetrating violence that—from a I 3 perspective—can be viewed as violent-impelling factors are the two insecure attachment dimensions, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance [ 10 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. To better understand these factors, a brief overview of attachment theory and how it may relate to violence is provided below.…”

“…Overall emotion dysregulation encompasses difficulties regulating impulses; difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior when experiencing negative emotions; low perceptions of one’s ability to effectively engage in emotion regulation strategies; and lack of clarity, acceptance, and awareness of one’s emotions [ 50 ]. Overall emotion dysregulation and impulsivity have been found to relate to IPV perpetration and moderate relationships between IPV and other known risk factors, such as trait anger and negative affect [ 13 , 50 , 51 , 52 ].…”

“…Aside from involvement with an insecurely attached partner with opposing attachment needs, insecurely attached individuals who also exhibit difficulties with impulse control and/or overall emotion dysregulation may be at elevated risk for acting on aggressive impulses in the presence of an instigating event [ 11 , 13 ]. However, little research has examined how impulse control or overall emotion regulation abilities interact with insecure attachment to predict physical IPV.…”