Wife Beating: A View of the Marital Dyad

Abstract

Both partners are viewed as participants in the eruption of violence, which is seen as an aspect of the couple's homeostatic patterns that maintain relationship rules and prevent change. The article provides theoretical information and case examples, and suggests treatment implications and goals for couples therapy.

Psychopathology of family violence perpetrators: the personality categorization of perpetrators

“…Domestic violence perpetrators often lack self-confidence and experience various fears resulting from the feeling of lower self-esteem, inefficiency, and being rejected (O'Leary, 1993;Weitzman & Dreen, 1992). Much research substantiates these claims, suggesting that individuals who harm their female partners have low self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness, in addition to pathological jealousy and anti-social personality disorders, resulting from causes not connected with the relationship itself (see Barnett, Miller-Perrin & Perrin, 2004;Bennett & Williams, 1999;Krahé, 2005;Wiehe, 1998).…”

Counseling the batterer

“…Weitzman and Dreen (1982) provided treatment implications and goals for couples therapy for partners in battering relationships. By examining the individuals in the relationship and also the marital system itself, the authors presented theoretical and practical implications of systems theory found to be useful when treating abusive couples.…”

“…By examining the individuals in the relationship and also the marital system itself, the authors presented theoretical and practical implications of systems theory found to be useful when treating abusive couples. Weitzman and Dreen (1982) found a violent relationship can be formed when " •••• each spouse brings to the marriage an already fragile self, which the marriage further depletes" (p. 260). Such a "fragile self" in males can often be hidden behind a macho facade and include "dependency conflicts, abandonment anxieties, feelings of inferiority personal failure and helplessness" (Weitzman and Dreen, 1982, P• 260), coupled with a need to control.…”

“…Weitzman and Dreen (1982) found the rigidity of the battering relationship to be determined at the metalevel of the system: who sets up the rules.…”

Department of the Navy Family Advocacy Program: Service Need and Service Response. Phase I Report: Reconnaissance

“…The following are characteristics of batters most conmonly cited: 9 A vulnerable self-concept or low self esteem (Bail, 1977;Saunders, 1982); @ A sense of helplessness, powerlessness, or inadequacy (Ball, 1977;Weitzman and Dreen, 1982); and e Dependency, fears of abandonment, and conflicts over being dependent (Makman, 1978;Saunders, 1982).…”