Examining associations between COVID-19 stressors, intimate partner violence, health, and health behaviors

Abriana M Gresham,Gery Karantzas,Brett J Peters,Linda D Cameron,Jeffry A Simpson

doi:10.1177/02654075211012098

Abstract

The economic, social, and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to increase the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. IPV victimization may, in turn, contribute to physical and mental health, substance use, and social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary objective of the current study was to understand the extent to which 1) COVID-19 stressors are associated with IPV victimization and 2) IPV victimization is associated with health and health behaviors. Participants ( N = 1,813) completed an online survey between May 15 and 28, 2020 that assessed COVID-19 stressors (financial anxiety, social disconnection, health anxiety, COVID-19-specific stress), IPV victimization, physical and mental health, substance use, and movement outside of the home. Structural equation modeling indicated that greater COVID-19-related stressors were associated with greater IPV victimization during the pandemic, even after controlling for enduring vulnerabilities associated with IPV victimization. Additionally, greater IPV victimization during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher levels of substance use and movement outside of the home, but not poorer physical and mental health. COVID-19 stressors may have detrimental relationship effects and health implications, underscoring the need for increased IPV intervention and support services during the pandemic. Findings from the current work provide preliminary correlational evidence for a theoretical model centered on IPV victimization, rather than perpetration.

Highlights

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm, or the threat of such harm, within a romantic relationship
Physical and mental health was modeled as a single latent variable consisting of general health and sickness behavior
The current research highlights the importance of examining IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic and contributes to existing models of IPV and relationship functioning

Summary

Introduction

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm, or the threat of such harm, within a romantic relationship. Preliminary evidence documents IPV as a persisting and escalating problem during the COVID-19 pandemic (Jetelina et al, 2020; Matoori et al, 2020) with early police reports of several major U.S cities revealing increased incidents of IPV relative to 2019 (Boserup et al, 2020). This increase in IPV victimization during the pandemic may be due to the increase of situational stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as economic stress, social isolation, and pandemic-related stress (Peterman et al, 2020; Van Gelder et al, 2020). These stressors are likely shared by both victims and perpetrators and, should predict greater IPV victimization, not merely perpetration

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Conclusion