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Head injury in partner-abusive men
A Rosenbaum1, S K Hoge, S A Adelman
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Past head injuries significantly predict partner abusive behavior in men. This highlights the overlooked physiological factors in marital aggression and informs rehabilitation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurology
- Criminology
Background:
- Marital aggression research often overlooks physiological factors, focusing on psychosocial, political, and cultural influences.
- The role of head injury as a potential contributor to aggressive behavior requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a history of head injury and partner abusive behavior in men.
- To explore physiological influences on marital aggression, complementing existing research.
Main Methods:
- A physician, blinded to group status, assessed head injury history in three groups of men: 53 partner abusive, 45 maritally satisfied nonviolent, and 32 maritally discordant nonviolent.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the predictive value of head injury.
Main Results:
- A history of head injury was found to be a significant predictor of being a partner abuser.
- This finding underscores the importance of physiological factors in understanding marital aggression.
Conclusions:
- Head injury history is a significant correlate of partner abusive behavior.
- Findings have implications for marital aggression intervention and post-head injury rehabilitation programs.