NCJ Number
246727
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2014 Pages: 91-101
Date Published
April 2014
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article presents a foundation for examining research that looks at gender differences when exploring the link between intimate partner violence and depression.
Abstract
This article presents an overview of research results that indicate two divergent perspectives on the role of gender in partner violence, as well as the role that gender differences have on depression level. Next the article presents a preliminary, theoretical framework for examining role that gender differences play when investigating the link between intimate partner violence and depression. This framework uses three types of violent relationships: male-only (only the male assaults); female-only (only the female assaults); and both violent. The framework incorporates two gender-related motivations, or social goals, that play a role in the link between intimate partner violence and depression. These two motivations are status enhancement and risk reduction where the male motivation for status enhancement is compatible with the female motivation for risk reduction. When one or both parties fail to achieve these social goals, the result can often lead to increased levels of stress and depression. This finding suggests that gender differences stemming from motivational differences are the basis for the link between intimate partner violence and depression. Implications for future research are discussed. Tables, figures, and references