A case-control study of mental health smtus of perpetrators with domestic violence

Abstract

Objective To investigate the characteristics of mental health status of the perpetrators with domestic violence(DV).Methods In this case-control study,318 perpetrators with DV who were randomly selected from communities,and 310 controls matched for geography setting,family structure and family role were interviewed.The Psychosis and Neurosis Screening Scale,Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90),the self-report Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire(EPQ),Trait Coping Style Questionnaire(TCSQ)and Social Supporting Rating Scale(SSRS)were administered to all subjects.Results (1)The total score and all factor scores of SCL-90,EPQ-N score and negative coping style score were higher in perpetrators than that in controls(P<0.05-0.01),while scores of total social supports,subjective support,objective support and utilization level of support were lower in perpetrators(P<0.05-0.01).(2)The rates of mental disorders were significantly higher in perpetrators than in controls(6.9%vs.1.3%,P<0.01).(3)Logistic regression analysis showed that hostility factor,negative coping style,psychiatric disorders and subjective social support were associated with perpetrators'violent behaviors.Conclusion The perpetrators with domestic violence are with more mental health problems,neurotic personality,negative coping styles,and less social support,suggesting that psychological and medical intervention and social support for the perpetrator be needed. Key words: Domestic violence; Psychological nursing; Individuality; Social support; Perpetrator; Coping style