The role of drug use in a conceptual model of intimate partner violence in men and women arrested for domestic violence.

Abstract

In a previous study, alcohol problems in perpetrators and their partners contributed directly and indirectly to intimate partner violence (IPV), even after including other correlates of violence in the model (G. L. Stuart et al., 2006). The present study extends these findings by examining the role of illicit drug use. We recruited 271 men and 135 women arrested for IPV and used structural equation modeling to examine the data. Results showed that drug use, as reported by the perpetrators, was a stronger predictor of IPV than were alcohol problems in perpetrators and their partners. Arrested males' marijuana use and stimulant use (i.e., cocaine and amphetamines) were associated with perpetration of IPV, and their report of their female partners' stimulant use was associated with her violence perpetration. In arrested women, specific substances used did not predict violence perpetration beyond other model variables; however, female perpetrators' report of male partners' stimulant use predicted male psychological and physical aggression, after controlling for other variables. These results provide further evidence that drug problems by both partners may be important in the evolution of aggression. Implications for batterer intervention programs are discussed.

Factors associated with intimate partner violence against women in a mega city of South-Asia: multi-centre cross-sectional study

“…This is consistent with the findings of previous studies 20,25,26 which showed that smoking, alcohol consumption, and using other substances of abuse were strongly associated with IPV. Substance abuse, including smoking and alcohol consumption, may be directly responsible for IPV by affecting cognition, reducing self-control, perpetuating aggression and may also induce stress and unhappiness in relationships, thereby, further increasing the risk of violence and conflict.…”

“…Substance abuse, including smoking and alcohol consumption, may be directly responsible for IPV by affecting cognition, reducing self-control, perpetuating aggression and may also induce stress and unhappiness in relationships, thereby, further increasing the risk of violence and conflict. 26 This study has some limitations. It was conducted in selective family practice clinics which may have underestimated the results due to underreporting.…”

Tratamiento de agresores contra la pareja en programas de atención a drogodependientes: un reto de futuro

“…La tasa de agresores que presentan problemas de abuso o dependencia alcohólica puede oscilar entre el 50% y el 60% (Echeburúa, Fernández-Montalvo, y Amor, 2003;Fernández-Montalvo, Echeburúa, y Amor, 2005; Fernández-Montalvo y Klostermann y Fals-Stewart, 2006;Stuart, O´Farrell, y Temple, 2009). En el caso de otro tipo de drogas ilegales, los datos varían en las diferentes investigaciones pero, como media, en torno al 20% de los hombres agresores presenta un consumo abusivo de drogas (Fals-Stewart, Golden, y Schumacher, 2003; Fernández-Montalvo y Moore et al, 2008;Stuart et al, 2008). En este sentido, la mayor parte de los estudios se han centrado en el consumo de cocaína y de cannabis.…”

Khat Use and Trait Anger: Effects on Affect Regulation during an Acute Stressful Challenge

“…Smokers high in trait anger have greater mood difficulties during abstinence and are more vulnerable to early relapse than smokers with low trait anger. Research with other stimulant users suggests a role for anger, aggression and other emotion regulation factors in cocaine and amphetamine consumers [15][16][17] . These findings implicate trait anger to be associated with poor emotional regulation and vulnerability to substance misuse and relapse.…”