The Role of Conflict-Based Communication Responses and Outcomes in Male Domestic Violence toward Female Partners

Abstract

The general purpose of this study was to investigate domestic violence within a conflict framework. Specifically, the associations between conflict-based, communication responses and outcome behaviors and the frequency and severity of male domestic violence towards female partners were examined. Participants were 251 male volunteers who reported on a range of communication responses and outcomes for both self and partner. The contribution of relationship distress was controlled for and also examined as a moderator. Relationship distress was not found to be a significant moderator. Results showed that 8 communication response variables and 4 outcome variables were significantly associated with the frequency and/or severity of male domestic violence. Relative to non-violent relationships, relationships with male violence had more male and female unilateral verbal aggression, more mutual verbal aggression, more male demand/partner withdraw, less constructive relative to destructive communication, and less mutual problem-solving. Relationships with male violence also had poorer resolution of problems and more emotional distance after problem arguments and discussions than their non-violent counterparts.