Assignment #5: Survey Research

To What Extent Does Mental Illness Influence Family-Based Violence – Introduction Draft

Grecia Cook

SOC 3111-090 Fall 2018 Research Methods

September 28, 2018

Introduction Draft

Family-based violence represents a serious public health concern in the nation. This is because of the detrimental effects that such violence can have on the physical, emotional, psychological and mental wellbeing of the affected individuals. Family-based violence may take the form of physical abuse, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. Research by Singh, Tolman, Walton, Chermack, & Cunningham (2014) suggests that both men and women are responsible for perpetrating family-based violence, although the rate of perpetration is higher among men as compared to women. Such violence affects their spouses, children, and significant others in some detrimental ways. Hence, identifying and addressing the factors that trigger family-based violence is important for addressing this unbecoming behavior.

The research question for the proposed study is “To what extent does mental illness influence the incidence of family-based violence?”, with specific emphasis being on conditions such as depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders including alcohol use disorder. The research hypothesis is that individuals with mental disorders will have a higher likelihood of perpetrating family-based violence as compared to individuals who do not have mental disorders. On the contrary, the null hypothesis is that individuals with mental disorders will not have a higher likelihood of perpetrating family-based violence as compared to those without mental disorders.

Theoretical and empirical research indicates that one factor that contributes to the incidence of family-based violence is mental illness. According to Sesar, Šimić, & Dodaj (2015), conditions such as depression, substance use disorders including alcohol abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) all have a direct association with the perpetration of family-based violence. The researchers affirm that anger and hyper-arousal symptoms associated with conditions such as PTSD are potential causes for the increased rates of aggressive behaviors demonstrated by perpetrators of family-based violence. Shorey, Febres, Brasfield, & Stuart (2012) from a different dimension contend that aggressive behavior may be an avenue for releasing the tension of unpleasant emotions such as shame, anxiety, or guilt stemming from exposure to a traumatic event.

Another hypothesized mechanism through which mental illnesses influence family-based violence is through affecting thought and cognitive processes, a factor that subsequently causes individuals to become more violent. It is worth mentioning that although mental illness can be a precursor of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, the victims of such abuse also tend to develop mental disorders. For example, a study by Islam, Jahan, & Hossain (2018) established that women victims of domestic violence in Bangladesh had a higher likelihood of developing depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideation as compared to victims who were not subject to domestic violence.

In order to examine the relationship between mental disorders and the incidence of family-based violence, the theoretic framework that will find direct application is the social control theory. This theory postulates that family-based violence and conflicts result from the need to obtain or maintain control and power within a relationship. As Haas & Cusson (2015) points out, the motivation that underlies the behavior of the abuser is the control and/or power that he or she is able to exert over others. In a bid to maintain control over others, the abusers under control theory may use different forms of intimidation including isolation, coercion, denial of personal blame, and physical abuse.

A study by Markowitz (2011) found that individuals with conditions such as depression and alcohol use disorder often find pleasure through dominating others with whom they have a relationship. They may therefore resort to using violence, threats, or force to obtain compliance from family members perceived to be less powerful. As such, utilizing the social control theory in examining the correlation between mental illness and family-based violence can help in uncovering the motivations of family-violence perpetrators who suffer from mental illnesses. Examining the relationship between mental illness and family based violence will aid in coming up with appropriate, evidence-based intervention that can help in curbing such violence and ensuring that victims lead a fulfilling life.

References

Haas, H., & Cusson, M. (2015). Comparing theories' performance in predicting violence. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry , 38 (1), 75-83.

Islam, M. M., Jahan, N., & Hossain, D. (2018). Violence against women and mental disorder: A qualitative study in Bangladesh. Tropical Medicine and Health , 46, 5-13.

Markowitz, F. (2011). Mental Illness, crime, and violence: Risk, context, and social control. Aggression and Violent Behavior , 16 (1), 36-44.

Sesar, K., Šimić, N., & Dodaj, A. (2015). Differences in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress between victims and perpetrators of intimate partner violence. Journal of Sociology and Social Work , 3 (2), 63–72.

Shorey, R. C., Febres, J., Brasfield, H., & Stuart, G. L. (2012). The prevalence of mental health problems in men arrested for domestic violence. Journal of Family Violence , 27 (8), 741–748.

Singh, V., Tolman, R., Walton, M., Chermack, S., & Cunningham, R. (2014). Characteristics of men who perpetrate intimate partner violence. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine , 27 (5), 661-668.