NCJ Number
190497
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 6 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2001 Pages: 459-480
Date Published
September 2001
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This literature review critically evaluates the research conducted on the relationship between life stressors and spouse abuse perpetrated by the husband.
Abstract
Empirical studies suggest the existence of multiple pathways to account for the relationship between life stressors and husband-to-wife violence. Contrary to previous literature reviews, the present review revealed that the existing data supports a direct association between life stressors and husband-to-wife violence. In addition, a number of variables mediate and moderate the relationship between life stressors and violence. These variables include marital satisfaction, depression, attitudes accepting of husband-to-wife violence, violence in the family of origin, and alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. Remaining research problems that need attention include this issue of moderators versus mediators, measurement differences across studies, and sampling issues. Further research should take place before models of stress and husband-to-wife violence can be fully supported. Nevertheless, these findings suggest that the effects of stressors may be similar for both batters and non-batterer/violent men and thus suggest that stress management programs may be effective components of comprehensive violence treatment programs regardless of the severity of violence and treatment history. Table and 72 references (Author abstract modified)