A population based study of reporting patterns and characteristics of men who abuse their female partners.
OBJECTIVE
This study estimates the prevalence of male abusive behavior reported by men and their female partners and identifies characteristics of abusive men.


METHODS
Baseline survey from a population based cohort study of general health.


METHODS
A rural county in Iowa, USA.


METHODS
572 men and their cohabitating female partners.


METHODS
Male-to-female physical, emotional, and sexual abuse reported by either partner.


RESULTS
In this cohort, 13.6% of men had performed at least one act of physical abuse and 34.9% emotional abuse. More than 45% of abusive men reported their own behaviors. Alcohol problems, antisocial personality characteristics, depressive symptoms, and financial stress were all positively associated with both physical and emotional abuse, but suicidal thoughts were less likely among abusers.


CONCLUSIONS
Identification of common characteristics of abusive men may predict proclivity towards partner violence and barriers to behavior modification.
Peek-Asa
C
C
The University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center, College of Public Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Iowa City, IA, USA. corinne-peek-asa@uiowa.edu
Zwerling
C
C
Young
T
T
Stromquist
A M
AM
Burmeister
L F
LF
Merchant
J A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018585:Battered Women / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012423:Rural Health; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology