Typology of perceived causes of IPV perpetration in young adults

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate the perceived causes of perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) among young adults, to assess whether distinct profiles exist, and to investigate sex differences. Questionnaires and structured interviews were administered to 233 young French-Canadian couples. Findings revealed that the perceived cause of anger was the most frequently provided explanation for partner aggression. In addition, women reported anger as a perceived cause of their violence more frequently than men, while men reported loss of control and revenge more often than women. Moreover, classification analyses resulted in three profiles of IPV perpetrators based on the perceived causes of their violence: (1) Reactive, (2) Common and (3) Hostile. The Reactive profile is characterized by the perceived causes of self-defence and loss of control. Individuals in this profile also perpetrated the greatest number of different physically violent behaviors. Individuals in the Common profile did not report a particular perceived cause of violence significantly more than the other profiles. These individuals were the least violent. Finally, the Hostile profile is characterized by the perceived causes of alcohol or drugs, domination, provocation, jealousy and intimidation. These individuals perpetrated the greatest number of psychologically and physically violent behaviors and perceived the impact of their violence the most negatively. Proposing a typology for IPV perpetrators in the young adult population contributes to a better understanding of perceived causes and high-risk situations (Flynn & Graham, 2010), thus allowing for possible prevention of more serious acts of aggression in later years.