Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant global issue with profound societal and victim impacts.
• While personality disorders are linked to IPV, personality traits offer a more nuanced understanding.
• The Five-Factor Model (FFM) is a widely accepted framework for understanding personality traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing research on the relationship between Five-Factor Model personality traits and IPV perpetration.
• To identify specific personality traits associated with IPV perpetration.
• To explore potential differences in findings between community and forensic samples.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of three major databases was conducted.
• Eleven studies examining FFM personality traits and IPV perpetration were included.
• Analysis considered community and forensic samples, and differentiated types of IPV.

Main Results:

• Neuroticism emerged as a personality trait significantly associated with IPV perpetration.
• Differences between community and forensic samples may be explained by the type of IPV (common couple violence vs. intimate terrorism).
• Intimate terrorism, more prevalent in clinical samples, may not be as strongly linked to neuroticism due to lower emotional motivation.

Conclusions:

• Personality traits, particularly neuroticism, are important factors in understanding IPV perpetration.
• Differentiating types of IPV is crucial for interpreting the relationship between personality and violence.
• Further research can refine interventions by considering specific personality traits and IPV typologies.