Major Depressive Disorder and Depressive Symptomatology as Predictors of Husband to Wife Physical Aggression

This study investigated the association between a husband's depressive symptomatology and the frequency of physical aggression toward his wife, as well as a husband's Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and the frequency of physical aggression toward his wife. We assessed physically aggressive...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Violence and victims 1998-01, Vol.13 (4), p.347-360
Main Authors: Feldbau-Kohn, Shari, Heyman, Richard E., O'Leary, K. Daniel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anger
Behavioral Sciences
Conflict (Psychology)
Conflicts
Counseling
Depression - diagnosis
Depression - psychology
Depressive Disorder - diagnosis
Depressive Disorder - psychology
Factor Analysis, Statistical
Female
Humans
Interview, Psychological
Interviews
Male
Marriage and Family Counselling
Medical treatment
Mental depression
Older people
Policy, Social Justice, and Human Rights
Predictive Value of Tests
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychology
R&D
Regression Analysis
Research & development
Risk Factors
Severity of Illness Index
Social and Personality Psychology
Social Work
Spouse Abuse - psychology
Spouses - psychology
Studies
Variables
Violence
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Summary:This study investigated the association between a husband's depressive symptomatology and the frequency of physical aggression toward his wife, as well as a husband's Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and the frequency of physical aggression toward his wife. We assessed physically aggressive men who volunteered for treatment with their wives (N = 89). Almost one third had moderate levels of depressive symptomatology (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI ≥ 14]), but only 11% met criteria for MDD (based on a structured interview [SCID]). Although the rate of MDD was not absolutely high, it was higher than that reported in a community sample (i.e., 3%). A significant relationship between increased depressive symptomatology and frequency of physical aggression was found, but the association was most likely accounted for by self-reported anger. Related contextual factors including marital discord and psychological aggression are addressed. Theoretical and treatment implications are discussed, including the severity of the treatment population (volunteer vs. court mandated), and severity of the depression (symptomatology vs. clinical diagnosis).
ISSN:0886-6708
1945-7073
DOI:10.1891/0886-6708.13.4.347