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A Prospective Analysis of Associations Between Changes in Mental Health and Men's Perpetration of Intimate Partner
Andrew Gibbs1,2,3, Smanga Mkhwanazi2, Sivuyile Khaula4
1University of Exeter, UK.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|January 21, 2026
Summary
Poor mental health in men, including depression and post-traumatic stress, is linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Interventions should focus on preventing mental health symptoms to reduce IPV.
Area of Science:
- Global Mental Health
- Public Health
- Violence Prevention
Background:
- Men's mental health is a significant factor in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration.
- Most existing research on this topic originates from high-income countries and utilizes cross-sectional designs.
- There is a need for prospective studies in diverse settings to understand the relationship between mental health and IPV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prospective association between changes in depression and post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and the perpetration of IPV among young men in South Africa.
- To assess whether worsening mental health symptoms predict future IPV perpetration.
- To determine if symptom reduction is associated with decreased IPV perpetration.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial involving young men (ages 18-30) in urban informal settlements in eThekwini, South Africa.
- Follow-up assessment conducted after 2 years.
- Statistical analysis using adjusted models to evaluate the relationship between changes in depression and PTS symptoms and reported IPV perpetration at endline (N=505).
Main Results:
- Men with consistently high or increasing depressive symptoms were significantly more likely to report IPV perpetration (aOR=2.02 and aOR=2.80, respectively).
- Men with increasing PTS symptoms were also significantly more likely to perpetrate IPV (aOR=1.95).
- A decrease in depressive or PTS symptoms was not significantly associated with a reduction in IPV perpetration.
Conclusions:
- Interventions aimed at reducing IPV perpetration should prioritize the prevention of mental health symptom onset.
- The findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health in strategies to combat IPV in low- and middle-income countries.
- Further research is needed to explore potential mediating factors, such as alcohol use, in the relationship between mental health and IPV.
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