A Dyadic Examination of Individual Symptomology and Relational Functioning Within the Context of IPV

Abstract

While it is known that interpersonal violence (IPV) is a multifaceted public health issue, few studies exist that examine both individual and relational factors concurrently among distressed couples. The aim of the current study investigated how IPV impacts individual and relational functioning among couples seeking couples counseling. Secondary data from 72 couples presenting to at least one session of conjoint couple’s therapy were cleaned and structured to meet the methodological parameters of the current study. Dyadic data analyses compared couples perspectives on individual symptomology and relational functioning, comparing two IPV groups: one that screened positive for IPV and one that screened negative for IPV. Results from repeated measures MANOVAs indicated significant differences in partner individual functioning mean scores, significant relationship between partner individual functioning scores, between partner relational functioning scores, and on the relationship between individual and relational functioning scores between the positive and negative IPV screening groups. These findings indicate that it is important to consider how IPV may impact not only the individuals in the relationship, but the couple dynamic as well.