Prevalence of Mental Health Problems in Men Arrested for Domestic Violence

• NCJ Number: 242703
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 27 Issue: 8 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 741-748
• Author(s): Ryan C. Shorey; Jeniimarie Febres; Hope Brasfield; Gregory L. Stuart
• Date Published: November 2012
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): K24AA019707
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined mental health problems of men arrested for domestic violence.

Abstract

The problem of male perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) is widespread. In an effort to identify risk factors for perpetrating IPV, researchers have examined mental health problems among perpetrators. However, the majority of research in this area has examined personality psychopathology and/or limited their investigation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Thus, the present study examined self-reported Axis I psychopathology among men arrested for domestic violence (N=308). Results replicated past research showing high rates of PTSD and depression. In addition, the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia, and alcohol and drug disorders were very high. All types of mental health problems were positively associated with aggression perpetration. Males meeting probable diagnostic classification reported significantly more frequent aggression than males not meeting diagnostic classification, even after controlling for social desirability. Directions for future research and implications of these findings are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.