Paradox of the Female Batterer: Exploring the Link Between Gender, Personality, and Intimate Violence

• NCJ Number: 205359
• Journal: Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2004 Pages: 5-10
• Author(s): Shelly Smith-Acuna; Lynett Henderson Metzger; Megan Watson
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), this exploratory study sought to identify differences in personality characteristics of 48 men and 14 women in treatment for domestic violence.

Abstract

Potential study participants were selected from a pool of people who were receiving court-ordered treatment for domestic violence in an outpatient treatment setting in a large metropolitan area. Sixty-three adults participated (48 males and 15 females). The PAI, which was administered to the participants, includes 22 non-overlapping full scales that include the following clinical scales: somatic complaints, anxiety, anxiety-related disorders, depression, mania, paranoia, schizophrenia, borderline features, antisocial features, alcohol problems, and drug problems. Treatment scales include aggression, suicidal ideation, stress, nonsupport, and treatment rejection. The study found that females scored significantly higher than males on anxiety-related disorder, paranoia, schizophrenia, borderline features, stress, and nonsupport. The only area in which males scored significantly higher than women was treatment rejection. Although females were significantly more distressed than males in a variety of areas, the mean scores for males and females all fell below the clinical cut-off score. Whatever the reasons for the differences between male and female batterers, if they are corroborated by future research, they have broad implications for domestic-violence treatment. Current guidelines for the treatment of violent women take into account the possibility, or probability, that women who batter may also be victims; thus, treatment incorporates victims issues into the treatment. The current study results suggest that treatment should also take into account the likelihood that there are symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression that should be addressed as well. Because of their higher levels of distress, women may require more intensive or longer treatment than men to address these symptoms. 1 table and 26 references