Antisocial Personality, Substance Abuse, and Exposure to Parental Violence in Males Referred for Domestic Violence

• NCJ Number: 191945
• Journal: Violence and Victims Volume: 16 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 491-506
• Author(s): Keith McBurnett; Carl Kerckhoff; Lisa Capasso; Linda J. Pfiffner; Paul J. Rathouz; Mike McCord; Steven M. Harris
• Date Published: October 2001
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigates whether childhood disruptive behavior plus adult psychopathic adjustment is associated with domestic violence.

Abstract

Adult males (n=66) in diversion programs completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), MMPI Psychopathic Deviate Scale (PD), Conflict Tactics Scales representing themselves and their parents, and substance use measures. Substance use and lifespan antisocial personality (measured by high WURS and PD scores) were robust predictors of verbal and moderate physical domestic abuse. Violence in the family of origin was associated with abuse when tested alone, but failed to exhibit unique association with abuse when other predictors were taken into account. The article discusses the possibility that antisocial batterers respond to contingencies by moderating physical harm, while persisting at psychological harm. The article suggests two potential targets for efforts to prevent domestic abuse. First, the robust association of abuse with alcohol and drug use suggests that treating substance abuse problems may reduce domestic partner abuse. Second, sustained treatment of early aggressive behavior disorders may reduce the risk of later domestic abuse. Tables, figures, references