Abstract
Recently, the study of intimate partner violence (IPV) has increased exponentially. Many causal theories of IPV have received attention and gained empirical support, yet most are limited in their ability to predict IPV. The proposed study examines the predictive utility of a comprehensive developmental model of IPV proposed by Bell and Naugle (2008) as a way to improve upon past theories. The model, which identifies six categories of risk factors: antecedents, behavioral repertoire, motivating factors, discriminative stimuli, verbal rules, and consequences, is unique in that it allows detailed analysis of proximal variables potentially related to IPV. We will examine whether a military sample will be higher in IPV than a civilian sample, and, if so, will examine which risk factors might discriminate between the two samples. We will also examine how effective the Bell and Naugle model is in predicting IPV. Data will be collected in two phases from 100 heterosexual couples from a military population and 100 heterosexual couples from a civilian population. Couples will complete a battery of measures including demographics, history of IPV, conflict management style, childhood exposure to violence, and attitudes toward violence. They will then be asked to complete a packet of daily ratings of IPV, stress, and relationship satisfaction for 30 days. Anyone reporting instances of IPV will be asked to identify the situations, motivations, and consequences of the IPV behavior. We expect that a history of IPV, higher stress levels, and poorer relationship satisfaction (proximal variables) will be the strongest predictors of IPV. We also predict that distal and static variables will moderate between IPV and proximal influences. Hierarchical multiple regression with GEE modeling will be used to analyze risk factors that are most relevant to IPV. This study is an important step toward better detection and prevention of IPV perpetration. We hope that by testing this theoretical model, future research will be directed toward further contextual analysis of IPV, enabling researchers to determine more effective ways to prevent IPV and treat perpetrators.