Anger's Role in Domestic Violence Among Patients with Severe Mental Illness
Author Information
Author(s): Ruijne Roos Eva, Zarchev Milan, Henrichs Jens, Garofalo Carlo, Bogaerts Stefan, Mulder Cornelis Lambert, Kamperman Astrid
Primary Institution: Erasmus Medical Center
Hypothesis
Victimization operates on perpetration through both a direct and an indirect pathway via anger.
Conclusion
The study reveals high rates of domestic violence and abuse among patients with severe mental illness, with anger mediating the link between psychological aggression victimization and physical assault perpetration.
Supporting Evidence
- 22% of patients perpetrated physical assault, while 27% were victims of physical assault.
- 52% of patients were both victims and perpetrators of physical assault.
- Anger mediated the link between victimization of psychological aggression and perpetration of domestic violence.
Takeaway
This study shows that many people with severe mental illness experience and commit domestic violence, and feeling angry can sometimes lead to more violence.
Methodology
A nation-wide survey assessed domestic violence victimization and perpetration in 942 patients with severe mental illness using the revised Conflict Tactics Scale and the dispositional anger reactions scale.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of violence due to stigma and the reliance on self-reported measures.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality, and the context of violence was not fully explored.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted mainly of men (63.5%), with a mean age of 45 years, and most were diagnosed with psychotic disorders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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