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Reasons for alcohol use in maritally violent men
R W Fagan1, O W Barnett, J B Patton
1Social Science Division, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California 90265.
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Maritally violent men drink more in various contexts and to cope with stress. Alcohol may facilitate marital violence, but underlying factors require therapeutic focus.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Marital violence is a significant societal issue.
- The relationship between alcohol consumption and domestic abuse requires further investigation.
- Understanding drinking contexts and motivations is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare drinking contexts and reasons between maritally violent men and nonviolent comparison groups.
- To explore the association between alcohol consumption and marital violence.
- To identify potential underlying factors contributing to both behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study design.
- Inclusion of a maritally violent group and three nonviolent comparison groups.
- Assessment of alcohol consumption in various drinking contexts and motivations.
Main Results:
- Maritally violent men reported higher alcohol consumption across multiple contexts, notably at home and during work-related activities.
- The primary motivation for drinking among violent men was to forget worries, pains, and stresses.
- Alcohol consumption accompanied abusive events in at least half of the maritally violent group's reported instances.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol use may be a facilitating factor in marital violence.
- Both alcohol use and marital abuse may indicate deeper individual, structural, or cultural issues.
- Therapeutic interventions should address the root causes of alcohol use and spouse abuse, not solely focus on alcohol consumption.