This study investigated the association between family violence and the attributions made for negative partner behaviors in an Australian context. Three groups of men were classified as physically violent (in counseling), nonphysically violent (in counseling), and non-physically violent in the community. The Relationship Attribution Measure was used to assess the attributional dependent variables of locus, stability, globality intent, motivation, and blame. Significant differences between violent and nonviolent men on each of the attributional dimensions were found. Physically violent men were more likely than non-physically violent men (counseling) to attribute the negative behavior of their partners as unchangeable, intentional rather than unintentional, selfishly motivated, and blameworthy causes. However, these differences disappeared when marital satisfaction was controlled. The implications of this work for domestic violence intervention programs are discussed, along with a number of methodological issues and directions for future research.
Electronic Resource Number:
10.1023/a:1007590827696
Tonizzo, S Howells, K Day, A Reidpath, D Froyland, I