Dyadic Effects of Relationship Dissatisfaction and Impulsivity on Physical and Psychological Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

Abstract

Numerous mechanisms for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration have been identified at the individual and relationship levels, wherein evidence suggests that relationship dissatisfaction and impulsivity (i.e., negative and positive urgency) predict IPV perpetration. Despite this, few studies have dyadically examined the interactive effects of these two risk factors on IPV perpetration. The present study examined main and interactive effects of relationship dissatisfaction and both negative and positive urgency on physical and psychological IPV perpetration among heterosexual couples. Participants included 333 heavy-drinking couples who reported past-year physical and/or psychological IPV perpetration. Actor Partner Interdependence Models (APIM) were used to determine dyadic associations between relationship dissatisfaction, negative and positive urgency, and physical and psychological IPV perpetration. Results indicated significant interaction effects, including: (1) Actor relationship dissatisfaction was more positively associated with psychological IPV perpetration at low, relative to high, levels of Actor negative urgency and Partner relationship dissatisfaction; and (2) Actor negative urgency was more positively associated with psychological IPV perpetration at low, relative to high, levels of Partner negative urgency. Using the I³ Model as a meta-theoretical framework, findings suggest that high instigation (e.g., partner dissatisfaction and negative urgency) may reduce the levels of actor impelling and disinhibiting factors required to facilitate psychological IPV perpetration. These findings underscore the importance of investigating relational dynamics when appraising risk for IPV perpetration.

Keywords

intimate partner violence risk factors relationship dissatisfaction impulsivity couples

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