Rethinking intimate partner violence risk: A Dyadic Socioecological Model of Adverse Relationship Pressures

Area of Science:

• Relationship Science
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) research often overlooks relationship science principles.
• Existing models may not fully capture the interdependent nature of relationship dynamics in IPV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Dyadic Socioecological Model of Adverse Relationship Pressures (ARPs).
• To provide a framework for understanding IPV as emerging from complex, multi-level pressures within intimate relationships.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual model development.
• Integration of individual, dyadic, and systems-level analyses.
• Emphasis on interdependent relationship dynamics.

Main Results:

• The ARP Model defines socioecological catalysts (ARPs) as antecedents to IPV.
• It highlights the dynamic interaction of shared and differentiated pressures within dyads.
• IPV is presented as a product of complex systemic pressures, not isolated incidents.

Conclusions:

• The ARP Model offers a novel framework for IPV research.
• It calls for a research agenda focused on theory integration and empirical work.
• The model aims to inform more effective, evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for IPV.