Dimensions of psychopathology and risk of severe physical partner violence IPV perpetration in young men and women

Background: Few cohort studies have been conducted to estimate incidence of physical partner violence perpetration or predictors of increased risk.

Objective: To explore dimensions of psychopathology as predictors of beginning to use severe physical aggression against a partner.

Methods: From August 2006 to December 2007, investigators conducted a cohort study to determine the prevalence and incidence of partner violence among young adults attending a large urban community college. Students were sampled from publicly available registrar's data. Phone interviews were conducted at baseline (N = 1,866), and at 6 month or12 months (n=1083). The following were dimensions of psychopathology measured at baseline and explored as predictors of beginning to use severe physical partner violence (SPPV): antisociality, fear of abandonment, impulsivity, alcohol abuse, anxiety, and depression. Analyses were conducted separately by gender. Results: Among 929 students who completed a follow up interview and were in a relationship, 776 were not using SPPV at baseline. Incidence of SPPV was 6.6% over one year . Significant differences in predictors of SPPV were noted by gender. While higher antisociality (adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR] = 2.36; p=0.02; n=505), fear of abandonment (aRR= 2.30; p=0.03), alcohol abuse (aRR = 1.19, p=0.01), anxiety (aRR = 1.14; p=0.0008), and depression scores (aRR = 1.10; p=0.005) were all associated with incidence of SPPV in women, none of these were predictors in men (n=271). Among men, childhood sexual abuse was a predictor of being to use SPPV. Conclusions: Gender differences in SPPV were noted and will be discussed.