DBPC 600
RESEARCH PAPER: FAMILY ISSUES ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
Discerning and clarifying your research interests and knowing how to locate and evaluate
scholarly sources of information are important skills for Marriage and Family Therapists. This
assignment will encourage you to think about Marriage and Family topics and select and refine
one that is of interest to you. You will also gain experience locating and selecting scholarly
sources, an important skill for Marriage and Family Therapists.
INSTRUCTIONS
The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide (Dobson, 2000) identifies multiple
challenges that marriages and families could face. You will choose 2 of these topics to explore in this
course via the explore the issue papers. For each topic that you choose, you will complete the following:
1. Identify and briefly provide your initial thoughts on the topic. This section will not require source
material. The purpose for this section is simply to identify what you currently know about this
topic. You may discuss facts, a biblical perspective, the moral dilemma involved in the topic, or
just your thoughts around this topic. This section must be 1 page in length.
2. Look at the research that has been done on the topic. This section must be well-organized with
headings and subheadings and must include at least 4 empirical sources. This section must be 2-3
pages in length. For this section check some of what you know against what research has to say
on the topic and consider how this might impact a marriage or family. What might be some
benefits and consequences of approach this topic and working through it within a marriage or
family unit?
3. Compare the psychological and theological perspectives on the topic. The point here is to
compare what the research says about the topic to what the Bible says about the topic. Not all of
the topics from The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide (Dobson, ,2000) are
directly mentioned in the Bible. However, you may use biblical principles and discuss
similarities and discrepancies found between these 2 perspectives. This section must be 1-2
pages in length.
4. The conclusion of this paper must include a good summary of the information provided in the
preceding 3 sections. You must also provide an idea for future study of the topic. What further
information could be provided in relation to this topic? For example, what are some variables that
play a part of depression in marriage? Is depression within marriage easier to work through if the
depression is a result of a mood disorder or of circumstances outside of the marriage?
5. Correct current APA formatting must be implemented throughout this paper, including avoiding
first person and using properly formatted citations and headings. At least 4 scholarly sources are
required. A title page and references page must be included; however, an abstract will NOT be
necessary for this assignment. Assignment instructions and grading rubric must be carefully
reviewed to ensure that all assignment criteria are met.
DBPC 600
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RESEARCH PAPER: FAMILY ISSUES GRADING RUBRIC
Criteria
Levels of Achievement
Content
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Below Expectations
Not present
Thesis
10 points
Thesis statement is
clearly identifiable and
strongly presented. It
provides a clear
overview of the paper’s
contents.
9 points
Thesis statement is
identifiable and
presented. It provides an
overview of the paper’s
contents
8 points
Thesis statement is
identifiable but needs
improvement.
1 to 7 points
Thesis statement is
not identifiable and/or
does not provide an
overview of the
paper’s contents.
0 points
Not Present
Content
78 to 85 points
All components as
described in the
assignment have been
thoroughly addressed.
Assertions are relevant
and properly supported
by evidence. The
conclusion offers a good
summary of issues
treated in the paper and
offers practical
application.
71 to 77 points
All components as
described in the
assignment have been
addressed. Assertions are
mostly relevant and
mostly supported by
evidence. The conclusion
offers a summary of
issues treated in the paper
and offers application.
65 to 70 points
Most components as
described in the assignment
have been addressed, or all
components are present but
need improvement. Some
assertions are relevant and
supported by evidence. The
conclusion may need
improvement.
1 to 64 points
Few components as
described in the
assignment have been
addressed, or all
components are
missing. The
conclusion is weak or
is not present in the
paper.
0 points
Not Present
Sources
10 points
Sources are scholarly,
high-quality, and
relevant. They are
critically evaluated and
correctly utilized.
9 points
Sources are scholarly and
relevant. They are
evaluated and utilized.
8 points
Most sources are scholarly
and most are relevant. Most
are evaluated and utilized.
1 to 7 points
Few or no sources are
scholarly or relevant.
Few or none are
evaluated and
utilized.
0 points
Not Present
Structure
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Below Expectations
Not present
Organization
14 to 15 points
All required elements are
included and presented
with strong headings and
13 points
All required elements are
included and organized.
12 points
Most required elements are
included and are mostly
organized. Most paragraphs
1 to 11 points
Few or no required
elements are
included. Few or no
0 points
Not Present
DBPC 600
Page 2 of 2
organizational clarity.
There are clear
transitions between
paragraphs and sections.
The treatment of the
topic is logically
oriented. The paper
meets the page length
requirement.
There are transitions
between paragraphs and
sections. The treatment of
the topic is logically
oriented. The paper meets
the page length
requirement or comes
very close.
and sections have
transitions. The logical
treatment of the topic needs
improvement. The paper
may not meet the page
length requirement.
transitions exist
between paragraphs
and sections. There
may not be a logical
treatment of the topic.
The paper does not
meet the page length
requirement.
Style
14 to 15 points
The paper properly uses
current APA style.
Proper headings, in-text
citations, and references
are formatted correctly.
The paper reflects a
graduate level voice and
vocabulary. There are
very few spelling and
grammar errors.
13 points
The paper consistently
uses current APA style
with few or no
exceptions. Proper
headings, in-text
citations, and references
are formatted with few or
no errors. The paper
reflects a graduate level
voice and vocabulary.
There are few spelling
and grammar errors.
12 points
The paper inconsistently
uses APA. Headings, in-
text citations, and
references are
inconsistently formatted.
The paper does not
consistently reflect a
graduate level voice and
vocabulary. There are
spelling and grammar
errors.
1 to 11 points
The paper
erroneously uses or
does not use current
APA style .
Headings, in-text
citations, and
references are
erroneously formatted
or not present. The
paper does not reflect
a graduate level voice
and vocabulary.
There are spelling
and grammar errors.
0 points
Not Present
Sources
14 to 15 points
The Reference page
meets or exceeds the
required number of
sources. All sources are
referenced throughout
the paper.
13 points
The Reference page
meets the required
number of sources. Most
sources are referenced
throughout the paper.
12 points
The Reference page does
not meet the required
number of sources. Not all
sources are referenced
throughout the paper.
1 to 11 points
The Reference page
is not present or
contains few sources.
Not enough sources
are referenced
throughout the paper,
or none are
referenced.
0 points
Not Present
OUTLINE
DBPC600: CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT: PSYCHOLOGICAL AND
THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES (D01)- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Thesis statement: In conclusion, my personal understanding of DV was enhanced by
personal experiences with the social ill (as described in the first section). However, this research
paper and personal inquisitiveness have greatly enhanced my understanding of the issue. It is a
prevalent problem that affects millions of people in the world- around a third of all women in the
world experience DV in their lifetime, as many as 1 in every four women in the US. DV is a
deep-rooted social problem because it is associated with cultural acceptance in some areas, the
imprisoning nature of the cycle of abuse, lack of support for victims, and the risk factors of
perpetrators. Apart from endangering the health and safety of victims, trauma, and increased risk
of mental health issues and substance abuse, it also affects the well-being of child witnesses of
DV. This manifests through continuity of DV among witnesses (inter-generational DV) and
difficulty in forming healthy relationships and mental health issues. These effects are congruent
with scriptures that discourage the vice.
I. Introduction: Brief Description and Thoughts on the Topic
II. Research On Domestic Violence
A. Prevalence and Definition
B. How DV Happens and the Cycle of Abuse
C. Risk Factors
D. Effects of DV in Marriages and Families
III. Comparing the Psychological and Theological Perspectives on DV and IPV
IV. Conclusion
1
DBPC600: Child and Family Development: Psychological and Theological Perspectives
(D01)- Domestic Violence
Student's Name
Course
University
Professor
Date
2
Introduction: Brief Description and Thoughts on the Topic
On a very cold Monday in January, right in the middle of Winter, we heard a frantic knock
on the door. Tracy, our 12-year-old neighbor called out for help as she knocked. 'He is going to
kill her!' she exclaimed as she banged on our door. My father worriedly opened the door and was
the difference that night between a police response to domestic violence and the murder of a mother
right before her three children. This was my first exposure to domestic violence.
This experience exposed me to the danger and intensity of domestic violence (DV). DV
and abuse are one of the most prevalent and potentially damaging issues many families all over
the world face. At face value, DV and abuse seem like one of the evillest acts an intimate partner
can do to their spouse. The perpetrator causes harm and trauma to the people they should care for
and protect. My personal understanding of DV and abuse, in general, became clearer as I grew
older and as I understood the dynamics of relationships. Indeed, DV and abuse in the extent of
Tracy's household is a gradual process, a manifestation of dysfunction, and a toxic relationship
environment within the household. It also appears as a maze, a complex and confusing negative
and dangerous dynamic that affects all members of the family. Tracy was a distant friend by virtue
of being neighbors; she had trouble making and keeping friends, often preferring to stay by herself.
DV and abuse affect all members of the family, more so the children in the long-term- not only
does it place the victim at risk of physical harm (or death in extreme cases), it is a social problem
that affects the psychosocial and emotional well-being of all members of the household, a sad
commonality in today's world.
Research On Domestic Violence
Prevalence and Definition
3
Domestic Violence (DV) is defined as any form of abuse and violence that occurs within
an intimate romantic relationship, such as cohabitation or marriage, often used synonymously with
intimate partner violence (IPV) (Coker, 2016). It occurs in various forms, including verbal,
physical, emotional, reproductive, religious, and sexual abuse. According to the CDC, 1 in every
four women in the US and as many as 1 in every ten men experience some form of DV during
their lifetime- whether physical violence, contact, sexual violence, stalking or emotional abuse
(National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, 2021).
Around 43 million women in the US and 38 million men have experienced psychological abuse at
least once in their lifetime by an intimate partner.
How DV Happens and the Cycle of Abuse
DV often takes place when the perpetrator feels (wrongly) feels the behavior is justified
(sometimes blaming the victim), acceptable, and unlikely to be reported by the victim. This is
mostly facilitated by an intergenerational cycle of violence- prior exposure to violence or cultural
acceptance of DV (Plummer & Cossins, 2016). It typically occurs in a cycle of violence/abuse-
events and interactions within the relationship cause tensions to rise, bursting into an abusive
and/or violent act. The act is followed by the perpetrator's efforts of reconciliation, followed by a
period of calm before tensions slowly rise again. The victim becomes trapped in the relationship
because of the traumatic bond with the abuser, lack of financial resources, cultural acceptance,
shame, isolation, and power & control (Plummer & Cossins, 2016).
Risk Factors
DV is a result of various interacting factors within the relationship and the environment- at
the individual, family, and community level that help to either reduce or increase the risk of
4
violent/abusive behavior. The risk factors for perpetrators include partners with lower levels of
education, a history of abuse and mistreatment as a child, witnessing DV in formative years,
antisocial personality disorder, drugs, and alcohol abuse, harmful masculine behaviors like having
multiple sexual partners and supporting cultural norms (Rode & Rode, 2015).
Effects of DV in Marriages and Families
IPV and DV cause very serious short-term and long-term harm to victims and their
families- mental, physical, reproductive, and sexual problems for victims and a lasting effect on
the well-being and health of children. There are cases where DV and IPV result in suicide or
homicide, or a serious physical injury (around 42% of all victims suffer one serious injury)
(World Health Organization, 2021). If it manifests as sexual violence, it may lead to unwanted
pregnancies, STIs, gynecological problems, and increases the risk of stillbirths, and miscarriages,
among other maternal problems. It also leads to PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and
other serious mental health issues. People that experience some form of DV are twice as likely to
develop depression & other mental health disorders and substance abuse issues (World Health
Organization, 2021).
This risk also translates to children witnesses of DV in their households in their formative
years. This suggests children from abusive households suffer a wide range of behavioral and
emotional issues. These issues may manifest in perpetrating or allowing violent and abusive
behavior in future relationships (World Health Organization, 2021). DV also comes at an
enormous cost to society because victims suffer isolation and loss of wages; they are unable to
work and participate in the community.
Comparing the Psychological and Theological Perspectives on DV and IPV
5
The current global consensus on the danger and backwardness of DV is described and
reiterated in the Bible (Westenberg, 2017). The Bible condemns DV as a stark opposition to God's
plan for families. The first two chapters of Genesis present marriage as a helping, one-flesh
relationship- the two are meant to help each other throughout life's journey. Ephesians 5:21-24
talks about mutual submission by both the husband and wife. Verses 25-33 encourage husbands to
practice and portray a self-sacrificing love to the wife. These sentiments are shared by 1 Peter 3:1-
7, more so verse 7, which encourages husbands to be gentle and considerate to their wives. It
instructs men to treat their wives with respect, not causing them harm (including DV) which would
hinder their relationship with God because their prayers will not be answered (Westenberg, 2017).
This warning is also reiterated in Malachi 2:10-16, which warns men against showing hatred and
unfaithfulness to their wives. This is seen as one of the reasons behind God's silence and inaction
in His people's lives in the scripture's context.
The Bible also warns against exposing children to DV or making them victims. Scriptures
like Psalms 127:3, Ephesians 6:4, and Colossians 3:21 place great responsibility to parents on
proper childrearing in the ways of the Lord- providing a loving and disciplined growth
environment. DV is a source of frustration and a way parents can exasperate their children through
unhealthy practices like abuse (Westenberg, 2017). This is in congruence with the overall effect
of DV on children's well-being and mental health. Overall, the Bible advises the married couple
to love and serve each other. According to research evidence, this is a prime example of a healthy
family environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my personal understanding of DV was enhanced by personal experiences
with the social ill (as described in the first section). However, this research paper and personal
6
inquisitiveness have greatly enhanced my understanding of the issue. It is a prevalent problem that
affects millions of people in the world- around a third of all women in the world experience DV
in their lifetime, as many as 1 in every four women in the US. DV is a deep-rooted social problem
because it is associated with cultural acceptance in some areas, the imprisoning nature of the cycle
of abuse, lack of support for victims, and the risk factors of perpetrators. Apart from endangering
the health and safety of victims, trauma, and increased risk of mental health issues and substance
abuse, it also affects the well-being of child witnesses of DV. This manifests through continuity
of DV among witnesses (inter-generational DV) and difficulty in forming healthy relationships
and mental health issues. These effects are congruent with scriptures that discourage the vice.
7
References
Coker, D. (2016). Domestic Violence and Social Justice. Violence against Women, 22(12),
1426–1437. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801215625851
Dobson, J. C. (2000). Complete marriage and family home reference guide. Tyndale House
Publishers.
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention. (2021,
November 2). Preventing intimate partner violence. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/fastfact.html
Plummer, M., & Cossins, A. (2016). The Cycle of Abuse: When Victims Become Offenders.
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 19(3), 286–304. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838016659487
Rode, D., & Rode, M. M. (2015). Risk factors in committing domestic violence in light of
gender psychology. Current Issues in Personality Psychology.
https://doi.org/10.5114/cipp.2018.72262
Westenberg, L. (2017). “When She Calls for Help”—Domestic Violence in Christian Families.
Social Sciences, 6(3), 71. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6030071
World Health Organization. (2021, March 9). Violence Against Women. Who.int; World Health
Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-
women
