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Head injury and marital aggression
1Forensic Evaluation Clinic, Law and Psychiatry Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Male patients in marital violence cases often have severe head injuries, with alcohol abuse being a significant factor. Understanding these links could improve prevention and treatment strategies for aggression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Criminology
Background:
- Marital violence is a complex issue with potential biological underpinnings.
- Head injuries can result from various forms of trauma and may affect behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of severe head injury in male patients referred for marital violence evaluation.
- To explore associations between head injury, child abuse history, and alcohol abuse in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 31 consecutive male patients evaluated for marital violence.
- Data collection on histories of severe head injury, child abuse, and alcohol abuse.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence (61.3%) of severe head injury was observed in the study sample.
- Alcohol abuse was significantly associated with head injury (48.4% prevalence).
- A trend, though not statistically significant, suggested a positive relationship between child abuse and head injury.
Conclusions:
- Severe head injury and alcohol abuse are notably prevalent in male patients presenting with marital violence.
- Further research into biological factors, such as head injury and substance abuse, is warranted for understanding and addressing marital aggression.