Shared and distinct features between interpersonal and self-directed violent behaviors: a simulated intervention...

Interpersonal and self-directed violence share many common risk factors, yet most studies examined the two forms of violence separately. To date, no research has investigated the mutually interactions between these shared and distinct features of the two forms of violence.

A total of 2,223 men aged 18-34 were recruited via community-based random sampling in Chengdu, China. Assessments covered sociodemographic factors, psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, psychosis), child maltreatment, adulthood stress, impulsivity, substance use, interpersonal and self-directed violent behaviors. Ising model was used to construct a violence network. Community detection was used to identify clusters of violence related factors. Simulated interventions were used to determine potential intervention targets of interpersonal and self-directed violence.

A stable socio-psychological network was established among the interpersonal and self-directed violence, which encompassed externalizing, internalizing and social isolation communities. Externalizing community included interpersonal violence, adulthood stress, impulsivity, child maltreatment and victim of stalking, while internalizing community encompassed self-directed violence, chronic illness/disability, anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Psychosis exhibited the highest bridge centrality. Child maltreatment presented the highest direct and indirect expected influence of the network. Child maltreatment and anxiety were identified as the most effective statistical leverage points of interpersonal and self-directed violence, respectively.

This study highlights that interpersonal violence and self-directed violence tends to gather with stress factors and mental disorders, respectively. Psychosis is the vital bridge, while child maltreatment is a critical covariant of the network.