Using the research evidence to inform the assessment and treatment of intimate partner aggression

Louise Dixon, Devon L.L. Polaschek

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter examines the international evidence to discern how intimate partner aggression should be defined and theoretically approached before comparing conceptualisations with the research evidence on risk factors and heterogeneity of perpetrators. It discusses the relevance of this research evidence for the assessment and treatment of perpetrators. The chapter highlights the disconnection between the evidence and practice before considering what practice would look like if informed by this evidence. The evidence suggests that men and women may perpetrate or be victims of partner aggression; patterns of aggression vary; a wide variety of factors at different levels increase the likelihood of intimate partner aggression; and perpetrators are a heterogeneous group that differ in risk level. In essence, theories are conceptual structures developed to explain why phenomena exist and persist and are important in understanding problems such as intimate partner aggression because they guide the process that can reduce the problem.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge International Handbook of Human Aggression: Current Issues and Perspectives
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Chapter17
Pages205-215
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9781315618777
Publication statusPublished - 4 Jan 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using the research evidence to inform the assessment and treatment of intimate partner aggression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this