Partner Violence as a Rational Choice

Abstract

The basic assumption in this chapter is that the decision to use violence should be considered as a rational choice if it meets the following preconditions: that the violence is possible and has the potential to accomplish the goal, that the cost of violence is lower than the cost of other possible actions, as well as being lower than the value of the goal. This basic assumption is scrutinized throughout the chapter, especially its applicability to partner violence based on research and case descriptions. Additional characteristics of partner violence events and their consistency with the assumption of rational choice are examined. For example, the validity of the rational choice argument is discussed in relation to the perpetrator’s strong negative emotional experiences and lost or low self-control. It is concluded that strong emotions and loss of control do not only stand in contradiction to the rational choice argument but also might even support it. Finally, supporting and extending the argument that violence is chosen rationally, an extended theory of deterrence is presented and its application to partner violence is explored.KeywordsPartner ViolenceRational ChoiceEmotional ExperienceAggressive TendencyMental PreparationThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.