Quantitative EEG (QEEG) Analysis of Emotional Interaction between Abusers and Victims in Intimate Partner Violence: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: The perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) and their victims have different emotional states. Abusers typically have problems associated with low self-esteem, low self-awareness, violence, anger, and communication, whereas victims experience mental distress and physical pain. The emotions surrounding IPV for both abuser and victim are key influences on their behavior and their relationship. Methods: The objective of this pilot study was to examine emotional and psychological interactions between IPV abusers and victims using quantified electroencephalogram (QEEG). Two abuser–victim case couples and one non-abusive control couple were recruited from the Mental Image Recovery Program for domestic violence victims in Seoul, South Korea, from 7–30 June 2017. Data collection and analysis were conducted using BrainMaster and NeuroGuide. The emotional pattern characteristics between abuser and victim were examined and compared to those of the non-abusive couple. Results: Emotional states and reaction patterns were different for the non-abusive and IPV couples. Strong delta, theta, and beta waves in the right frontal and left prefrontal lobes were observed in IPV case subjects. This indicated emotional conflict, anger, and a communication block or impaired communication between abuser and victim. Conclusions: Our study findings suggest brainwave control training via neurofeedback could be a possible therapy in managing emotional and communication problems related to IPV.

Non-suicidal Self-injury and Quantified Electroencephalogram in Adolescents and Young Adults with Depression

“…There are a few studies on delta power related to de-pression and NSSI; however, in one study, strong delta waves were observed in the bilateral prefrontal lobes of victims of domestic violence, indicative of emotional conflict, anger, and disrupted communication between the partners or between the perpetrator and victim [30]; these results may be related to the higher Z-scores of delta power on the FP2 node of patients and the higher K-CTQ in the NSSI group. In turn, we can speculate that the traumatic experiences of patients with NSSI are associated with increased delta power.…”