Intergenerational Transmission of Intimate Partner Violence: A Behavioral Genetic Perspective

• NCJ Number: 196094
• Journal: Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2002 Pages: 210-225
• Author(s): Denise A. Hines; Kimberly J. Saudino
• Date Published: July 2002
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the importance of a genetically sensitive design in research of the intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence.

Abstract

Children who are exposed to violence in their families of origin are more likely to become involved in violent relationships as adults. Social learning theory has been the primary theory to explain the intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence. But a social learning theory approach may be overly simplistic because the transmission of violence is not 100 percent. One explanation for the intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence that hasn’t been tested is a behavioral genetic explanation. The transmission of intimate partner violence could be due to genetic as well as environmental causes because families share both genes and environments. Social learning theory takes into account only environmental causes. Through the observation of repeated violence in the family, children learn to view violence in love relationships as appropriate and see the use of violence in the family to relieve stress, express anger, or control others as appropriate. But most children who experience abuse in their families of origin will not perpetrate intimate partner violence in the future, and some people who never experience abuse in their families of origin will abuse their partner. It has consistently been found that aggression in adults is genetically influenced; therefore, aggression in intimate relationships may also be genetically influenced. However, it is important to understand that if a behavioral genetic study shows that shared genes (and not shared environments) are responsible for the familial resemblance in intimate partner violence, it does not mean that the environment is not an important mechanism in intimate partner violence. Behavioral genetic studies, such as twin and adoption studies, are needed to better understand the intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence. If genetic influences are found, the next step would be to explore for possible genetic mediators for this behavior, such as personality, intelligence, attachment, or substance use. 1 table, 64 references