Intergenerational Transmission of Violence: the Influence of Self-Appraisals, Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse

Keywords

Violence transmission, Self-appraisal, Mental disorders, Self-esteem, Substance abuse

Abstract

Although research has demonstrated connections between experiencing abuse as a child and being in a violent relationship as an adult, the specific mechanisms through which this transmission occurs are unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between certain personal factors (self-appraisals and mental/substance use disorders) and experiencing violence as an adult. Data from the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) 1990–1992 were utilized. Respondents who reported experiencing childhood abuse or victimization and were in a current intimate partnership (N = 590) were selected for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that low self-esteem, past year PTSD, and past year alcohol dependence were significantly associated with intimate partner violence after controlling for other self-appraisals and mental disorders.

Original Publication Citation

Whiting, J. B., Simmons, L. A., Havens, J., Smith, D., & Oka, M. (2009). Intergenerational transmission of violence: The role of self appraisals and mental health factors. Journal of Family Violence, 24, 639-648. doi: 10.1007/s10896-009-9262-3

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2009-07-21

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5045

Publisher

Journal of Family Violence

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS