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Young men's intimate partner violence and relationship functioning: long-term outcomes associated with suicide attempt and aggression in adolescence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 June 2010

D. C. R. Kerr  and
D. M. Capaldi
D. C. R. Kerr*
Affiliation:
Oregon State University, Psychology Department, Corvallis, Oregon, USA Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene, Oregon, USA
D. M. Capaldi
Affiliation:
Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene, Oregon, USA
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr David Kerr, Oregon State University, Psychology Department, Corvallis, OR, USA. (Email: david.kerr@oregonstate.edu)
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Abstract

Background

Longitudinal research supports that suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescence predict maladjustment in young adulthood. Prior research supports links between suicide attempt and aggression, perhaps because of a propensity for impulsive behavior in states of high negative affect that underlies both problems. Such vulnerability may increase risk for intimate partner violence and generally poor young adulthood relational adjustment.

Method

A total of 153 men participated in annual assessments from ages 10–32 years and with a romantic partner at three assessments from ages 18–25 years. Multi-method/multi-informant constructs were formed for parent/family risk factors, adolescent psychopathology (e.g. suicide-attempt history, mother-, father-, teacher- and self-reported physical aggression) and young adulthood relational distress (jealousy and low relationship satisfaction) and maladaptive relationship behavior (observed, self- and partner-reported physical and psychological aggression toward a partner, partner-reported injury, official domestic violence arrest records and relationship instability).

Results

Across informants, adolescent aggression was correlated with suicide-attempt history. With few exceptions, aggression and a suicide attempt in adolescence each predicted negative romantic relationship outcomes after controlling for measured confounds. Adolescent aggression predicted young adulthood aggression toward a partner, in part, via relationship dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

Boys' aggression and suicide-attempt history in adolescence each predict poor relationship outcomes, including partner violence, in young adulthood. Findings are consistent with the theory of a trait-like vulnerability, such as impulsive aggression, that undermines adaptation across multiple domains in adolescence and young adulthood. Prevention and intervention approaches can target common causes of diverse public health problems.

Keywords

Adolescenceaggressionintimate partner violencesuicide attempt
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 41 , Issue 4 , April 2011 , pp. 759 - 769
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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