Self-Reported Childhood Physical Abuse and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Although considerable evidence links childhood physical abuse with later perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV), research to identify moderators of this relationship will increase scholars’ understanding of which victims of childhood abuse are at risk for later IPV. This study examined dimensions of psychopathy as moderators of the relationship between physical abuse in childhood and perpetration of IPV in a sample of 75 males participating in a pretrial supervision program subsequent to receiving criminal charges. Results indicated that, among individuals with higher levels of impulsive-irresponsible (i.e., Lifestyle) traits of psychopathy, childhood physical abuse was associated with later perpetration of IPV. Findings have implications for the propensity toward IPV perpetration among individuals who have experienced childhood physical abuse.