NCJ Number
114495
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The relationship between spouse abuse and men's attitudes toward women, their self-esteem, and their observation or experiences of violence as a child was examined using questionnaire data from men from two Maryland mental health treatment centers, men enrolled in the University College of the University of Maryland, and men from economically diverse communities in Prince George's County (Md).
Abstract
The men in each group were not matched or randomized, so the covariates of age, education, and income were designated as substitutes for experimental controls. Respondents were classified into three groups: known abusers, based on court-ordered enrollment in therapy programs; self-reported abusers; and nonabusers. Findings indicated that men who abuse their spouses come from all age, educational, and socioecomonic levels. Being abused as a child and lower levels of self-esteem appear to have a relationship to minor or severe spouse abuse. Results suggested that observing or experiencing violence is predictive of spouse abuse and that a combination of factors, rather than a single factor, is the most predictive. Better methods of investigating and reporting spouse abuse and for training and treating abusive families are recommended. Tables and 37 references.