Male-perpetrated violence among Vietnam veteran couples: relationships with veteran's early life characteristics, trauma history, and PTSD symptomatology.
Using structural equation modeling, we examined the impact of early-life stressors, war-zone stressors, and PTSD symptom severity on partner's reports of recent male-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) among 376 Vietnam veteran couples. Results indicated that several variables demonstrated direct relationships with IPV, including relationship quality with mother, war-zone stressor variables, and PTSD symptom severity. Importantly, retrospective reports of a stressful early family life, childhood antisocial behavior, and war-zone stressors were indirectly associated with IPV via PTSD. One of our 2 war-zone stressor variables, perceived threat, had both direct and indirect (through PTSD) relationships with IPV. Experiencing PTSD symptoms as a result of previous trauma appears to increase an individual's risk for perpetrating IPV. Implications for research and treatment are discussed.
Orcutt
Holly K
HK
Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2892, USA. horcutt@niu.edu
King
Lynda A
LA
King
Daniel W
DW
D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010553:Personality Development; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D014744:Vietnam; D014857:Warfare