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Family functioning in suicidal inpatients with intimate partner violence
Alison M Heru1, Gregory L Stuart, Patricia Ryan Recupero
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I.
Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|January 11, 2008
Summary
Suicidal patients often experience intimate partner violence (IPV) within dysfunctional families. Poor family functioning is linked to victimization for both men and women, indicating a need for couples therapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is frequently bidirectional, involving mutual perpetration and victimization.
- Couples experiencing IPV often report family dysfunction across communication, intimacy, problem-solving, and role designation.
- This study examines the family functioning perceptions of psychiatric inpatients experiencing suicidal ideation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and family functioning in adult suicidal inpatients.
- To identify specific domains of family dysfunction associated with IPV in this population.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 110 adult suicidal inpatients (aged 18-65).
- Participants completed the Conflict Tactics Scale-Revised for IPV assessment and the McMaster Family Assessment Device for family functioning.
- Inpatients had suicidal ideation and cohabited with a partner for at least six months.
Main Results:
- Suicidal inpatients with IPV reported poor family functioning across multiple domains, alongside some reported family strengths.
- No gender differences were found in overall IPV prevalence.
- Poorer family functioning was associated with increased psychological abuse in women and physical/psychological victimization in both genders.
Conclusions:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent in relationships characterized by general dysfunction among psychiatric inpatients with suicidal ideation.
- Poorer family functioning correlates with perceived victimization for both men and women.
- The high incidence of bidirectional IPV underscores the necessity for developing couples-focused treatments for suicidal psychiatric inpatients.
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