Significant Predictors Of Violence Research Articles

Unmasking the Pandemic's Dark Side: Exploring the Roles of Stress, Emotions, and Alcohol Use in Violent Behavior Across Six Countries.

We use international survey data recently collected among adults in six countries (Ukraine, Guatemala, Pakistan, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States) to examine the global variations in interpersonal violent behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that pandemic-related stress is significantly associated with violent behavior in most countries. Depression emerges as a significant predictor of violence across all countries and as a mediator between pandemic stress and violent behavior in multipls contexts. On the other hand, negative affect and alcohol use predict violent behavior only in non-Western contexts. We provide policy implications focused on prevention and reduction of violence cross-nationally during public health crises.

Clear Yet Crossed: Athletes' Retrospective Reports of Coach Violence.

This study aimed at examining coach-athlete violence based on the retrospective reports of adults who had been athletes as children and adolescents; predict variables that contribute to the existence of such violence; describe difficulties that the participants encountered as young athletes following such violence; and reveal the outcomes of such violence on their emotions and behaviors, in the past and present. The applied mixed methods comprised quantitative self-reporting questionnaires and qualitative interviews. The former included 440 participants (mean age 27.6) who had trained for at least one year in a sports union youth department; the latter included 14 participants (aged 23-37). These competitive athletes came from eight branches of sports. The interviews were analyzed based on the Narrative Approach. According to the quantitative study, all participants had experienced coach violence at least once during their career, mainly psychological violence and neglect, followed by physical violence. Sexual violence was least reported. The age of their retirement from sports and the number of coaches that they had had were significant predictors of violence. Thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews resulted in six types of coach-athlete violence: (1) psychological violence; (2) verbal violence; (3) starvation and food fattening; (4) non-proportional punishing; (5) physical violence; and (6) sexual violence. It is vital that coach-athlete violence is addressed in public discourse, that the topic of young athletes' safety is introduced into coaching education, and that a position holder is nominated to be in charge of such safety in all sports organizations.

Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Wife Beating in Bangladesh: Evidence from a Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, 2017–2018

Wife beating is one of the most important global health concerns, not only in developing countries but also in developed countries. The prevalence of wife beating is more common in Bangladesh, which is a major health-related problem among reproductive-aged women. For this reason, the aim of this paper was to investigate sociodemographic factors associated with wife beating among women in Bangladesh. We used the most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18 data. A total of 20,127 women were included in this study. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with wife beating among reproductive-aged women. The study's findings demonstrated that, in binary logistic regression, women's education, exposure to the media, residence, and religion were very significant predictors of violence against women. Significant correlates of violence against women were also found to include the occupation, division, size of the household, and wealth index of women. We might be able to lessen wife beating in Bangladesh by concentrating on women's education, occupation, place of residence, division, wealth index, household size, exposure to mass media, and religion.

Intimate partner violence among reproductive-age women in central Gondar zone, Northwest, Ethiopia: a population-based study

BackgroundViolence against women is the most widespread kind of human rights violation, and it has been linked to a wide range of consequences. The most prominent psychosocial and mental health concern that has serious effects for women's physical and mental well-being. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of women’s violence by intimate partner among women in the reproductive age group (15–49).MethodsMultistage community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among reproductive age group women in the central Gondar zone. We recruited 845 participants and interviewed by health extension workers using face-to-face interviews. We used a Women's Abuse Screening test to outcome variable; it has a total score ranges 0–16, a score > 1 indicates positive for the presence of intimate partner violence within a year. Variables were coded and entered to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis was run for data analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence level (CI) were declared significant.ResultAmong a total of 845 participants 804 responded to the interviews with a response rate of 95%. The prevalence rate of intimate partner violence is 391(48.6%). From multivariate logistic regression analysis women being married [AOR:3.85; 95% CI (2.38, 6.22)], high school and above educational status [(AOR: 0.43; 95% CI (0.30, 0.61), women’s having > 3children [(AOR: 1.82, 95% CI (1.0, 3.1)], having a household food insecurity[(AOR: 2.09, 95% CI (1.51, 2.91)], having life threatening events [(AOR: 2.09; 95% CI (1.51, 2.91)], moderate social support [(AOR: 0.60; 95% CI (0.41, 0.83)], depression [(AOR: 3.12; 95% CI (1.60, 6.07) were significantly associated with violence by intimate partner at 95% CI .ConclusionIntimate partner violence is common among reproductive-age women. Married, women with several children, food insecurity, life-threatening events, and depression were all found to be significant predictors of violence. Measures should be taken to raise community awareness, particularly among intimate partners, their families, and government officials.

Predictors of Violence Reported by Female and Male Inmates in Wisconsin State Prisons

The present study compared predictors of violence as suggested by the importation and deprivation models and the newly utilized threat appraisal and coping models. Participants included 290 female and 472 male inmates in Wisconsin state prisons who completed anonymous surveys to report seven characteristics they import to prison and to report three social stressors experienced during the deprivation and powerlessness of the prison experience. Multiple regression revealed that for both female and male inmates, violence was associated with the imported characteristics of younger age and impulsivity and with in-prison stressors from correctional staff and family. Years of incarceration was a significant predictor of violence only for males. As suggested from past research, the personality pattern of hostility was associated with violence, particularly in male inmates, and internal locus of control was associated with violence, particularly in female inmates.

Explaining the accumulation of victimization in vulnerable children: Interpersonal violence among children traumatized by war and disaster in a children's home in Sri Lanka.

Research in postconflict settings indicated that children's exposure to war and natural disaster is a significant predictor of experiencing violence within their families. However, it is unclear if this effect is driven by characteristics of traumatized children or their parents. To disentangle these different factors we conducted a survey in a children's home in Sri Lanka. A total of 146 institutionalized children (aged 8 to 17) were interviewed using standardized questionnaires administered by local senior counselors in order to assess children's exposure to mass trauma, family violence, and violence in the institution as well as their mental health. Linear regression analyses revealed that, controlling for potential confounds, previous exposure to civil war was a significant predictor of violence by guardians in the children's home. In addition, previous exposure to family violence was a significant predictor of violence by peers in the institutions. A mediation analysis showed that children's internalizing and externalizing behavior problems partly mediated the relationship between violence prior to the admission to the children's home and violence in the children's home. The findings of our study provide evidence for the assumption that the transmission of mass trauma into interpersonal violence can occur independently from parents through children's psychopathology.

Best Served Cold: Vengeful Attitudes and Violence among Finnish Adolescents

ABSTRACT Research has identified several predictors of violence; however, few studies have examined the role of revenge as a motivating factor of violent delinquency. In this study, we use multilevel logistic regression models to examine the relationship between beliefs favorable to revenge and violent behavior among a random sample of 6061 adolescents in Finnish schools. The results show that established predictors of violence, such as peer delinquency, unstructured socializing, and violent victimization are all significantly associated with violent behavior. However, attitudes supporting revenge also emerge as a significant predictor of violence even after controlling for other factors. This finding reinforces research suggesting that violence-reduction interventions and initiatives should attempt to promote prosocial means of conflict resolution and reduce beliefs favorable to violence such as support for revenge.

UN Troop Deployment and Preventing Violence Against Civilians in Darfur

ABSTRACTDoes the presence of UN peacekeeping force lower civilian fatalities at the local level? If it does, is it because of their coercive military capacity or for other reasons such as their roles in monitoring and reporting violent atrocities? To explore these questions, I study the deployment of peacekeeping units in Darfur and its impact on violence against civilians. Using original geocoded data of UN deployments before and after the intervention, I examine what aspects of such deployments impact one-sided civilian killings by government and rebel groups. Results indicate that deploying UN peacekeepers in an area restrains belligerent from targeting civilians. However, the military capacity of peacekeepers is not a significant predictor of violence against civilians. While their ability to defend themselves is extremely important for peacekeepers, these findings caution against the militarization trend in UN peacekeeping and seek to reshift focus on other substantive aspects of peacekeeping.

Does PTSD predict institutional violence within a UK male prison population?

PurposeGiven the amount of research examining the association between trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with aggression and violence, few studies have focussed on a UK prison population. Additionally, few have examined the relationship between PTSD symptoms, aggression and violence perpetrated in custody. The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between PTSD and violence against the person in prison, and the association between PTSD and having a conviction for violence against the person.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consisted of 110 participants from a male prison in England (young offenders and adult prisoners). They were assessed for PTSD symptoms using the Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress (DAPS; Briere, 2001), their criminal history and custodial behaviour was analysed.FindingsThe findings revealed that symptoms of PTSD were significantly associated with violence in prison, however, symptoms of PTSD were not found to be significantly associated with having a violent conviction. Further analysis using logistic regression found having a violent conviction, age and PTSD symptoms were significant predictors of violence in prison.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are the reliance on a self-report measure to assess symptoms of PTSD, the small sample size and the absence of a control group.Practical implicationsThe results highlighted the need for staff training and the availability of a service to assess and treat PTSD. This would increase the well-being of offenders and support the current HM Prison Service violence reduction strategies.Originality/valueThis study provides new research into the UK prison population.

Violência obstétrica em mulheres brasileiras

Esta pesquisa objetivou verificar a ocorrência de violência obstétrica em mulheres brasileiras. Realizou-se um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal, de alcance correlacional e preditivo, utilizando-se o Questionário de Violência no Parto. Os dados foram coletados por acesso online ao questionário. Realizou-se análise descritiva, de correlação e de regressão, através do programa SPSS. Participaram da pesquisa 1626 mulheres adultas. Os resultados apontam que durante o parto 52,3% das gestantes sentiu-se inferior, vulnerável e insegura; 49,8% sentiu-se exposta e sem privacidade. A vivência de violência no parto apresentou correlação significativa com idade, escolaridade e renda familiar. Através da análise de regressão múltipla, verificou-se 12 práticas de atendimento ao parto que mostraram-se preditores significativos de violência no parto, explicando 34,9% da vivência de violência obstétrica. Percebe-se que intervenções desnecessárias são realizadas em nome de uma falsa impressão de que, quanto mais se intervém, mais se cuida.

Possession of weapon and school violence among adolescents and their association with history of traumatic brain injury, substance use and mental health issues

PurposeAssessment of the association between illegal possession of weapon and assault on school property among adolescents with and without a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) while assessing risk factors for these outcomes. MethodsData were derived from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey completed by students in grades 7–12 (ages 11–20). ResultsIn this sample of 5478 adolescents, 6.1% (95% CI: 5.0, 7.4) reported carrying a weapon (e.g., gun or knife) on school property, 10.8% (95% CI: 9.5, 12.3) were engaged in a physical fight and 6.4% (95% CI: 5.4, 7.6) reported having beat up or hurt someone on purpose at school, during last year. Youth who reported carrying a weapon, who were engaged in a physical fight and those who assaulted peers on school property during last year had statistically significantly higher odds of reporting a history of TBIs, being male, in first years of high-school, scored positive for elevated psychological distress, and were current regular alcohol (weapon possession only) and cannabis users. ConclusionPreviously it was thought that alcohol and drugs were the main contributors to school violence. Here we show that history of TBIs is yet another significant predictor of violence at school among adolescents. The results suggest that school vigilance and combined violence and TBI prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs in this population are warranted.

Childhood Adversity, Substance Abuse, and Violence: Implications for Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult substance abuse and violence in a sample of offenders (n = 180). Higher ACE scores were significantly correlated with substance abuse scores and violence scores. Substance abuse and violence were also significantly correlated with each other. The violent offenders had significantly higher ACE and substance abuse scores than the nonviolent offenders. In a hierarchical logistic regression model, the ACE score and substance score both emerged as significant predictors of violence. Better understanding of the links between early adversity and adult criminal and addictive behavior will help improve social work practice in forensic and correctional settings. Implications for trauma-informed social work practice and policy are discussed.

Recent Violence Among Persons Entering Short-Term Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment

Objective: Large-scale epidemiologic studies have consistently found that co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders are associated with increased risk of involvement in violence. Individuals with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders can present either in mental health or substance abuse treatment systems, and both systems must be able to respond to their needs. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of recent violence (both perpetration and victimization) among adults (N = 419) entering short-term residential mental health and substance abuse treatment. Methods: Approximately 41% (n = 171) of participants reported having any involvement in violence, and for the majority of them (n = 144; 84%) that included victimization. For analytic purposes, we classified participants with involvement in violence as any perpetration (n = 87) or only victimization (n = 84) and conducted bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses examining potential correlates of these different types of violence. Results: Homelessness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.0–2.4], p < .04), alcohol use disorder (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI [1.1–2.9], p < .03), and the interaction of comorbidity and substance abuse treatment system (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI [1.0–7.6], p < .05) were associated with an increased likelihood of any violence. Alcohol use disorder (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI [1.0–3.3], p < .05) increased the likelihood of perpetration. Homelessness (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.1–3.2], p < .02) and the interaction of comorbidity and being recruited from substance abuse treatment (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI [1.8–14.2], p < .003) increased the likelihood of involvement in only victimization. Conclusions: Victimization was far more prevalent than perpetration. Comorbidity was not a significant predictor of violence, but individuals with comorbidity recruited from the substance abuse treatment system were more likely to be involved in violence.

Frequency and risk factors of workplace violence on psychiatric nurses and its impact on their quality of life in China

This study examined the frequency of violence on nurses in Chinese psychiatric hospitals and explored its risk factors and impact on nurses' quality of life (QOL). A survey was conducted with 387 frontline psychiatric nurses in China. Information about experience of workplace violence in the past 6 months, type of workplace violence, and demographic characteristics was collected by a questionnaire. Altogether 319 (82.4%) of 387 nurses reported having experienced at least one type of violent event in the past 6 months. The prevalence of sexual assault, physical and verbal harassment was 18.6%, 61.5% and 78.6%, respectively. Compared to those with no exposure to violence, nurses who were exposed to violence had lower QOL in both the physical and mental domains. Significant predictors of violence against nurses are male sex, receiving college level or higher education and working on rotating duty were independently associated with high risk of violence. Workplace violence against psychiatric nurses commonly occurs in China. Considering the deleterious effects of violence, comprehensive strategies from the perspective of nursing education and training, organizational policy, patient care and staff support are recommended to promote occupational safety in psychiatric settings in China.

Association between insight, cognitive insight, positive symptoms and violence in patients with schizophrenia

Background: Violence is a significant clinical and public concern and is a frequent occurrence in patients with schizophrenia. The relationship between insight and violence remains controversial. In addition, there is a lack of research on insight, cognitive insight, demographic and psychopathologic variables in violent versus nonviolent schizophrenia patients. Aim: We aimed to compare insight, cognitive insight, psychopathological and demographic variables in violent and nonviolent subjects suffering from schizophrenia. In addition, we aimed to determine the demographic and clinical predictors of violent behaviour in patients with schizophrenia. Method: We recruited 133 schizophrenic patients without concomitant substance abuse or axis II disorder. Diagnoses were based on the SCID-I and SCID-II. Violent behaviours were assessed using the Overt Aggression Scale. Insight and cognitive insight were assessed with the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder and the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, respectively. Results: We compared 47 patients with violent schizophrenia with 86 nonviolent patients. Non-violent patients had more severe depression, lower scores on positive symptoms, better clinical insight, more self-reflectivity and higher R-C index scores than did violent patients. In addition, history of violence, lower self-reflectiveness, worse clinical insight and delusion severity were significant predictors of violence in schizophrenia. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the inclusion of insight and cognitive insight may increase the prediction of violence in this population. In addition, clinicians should consider using non-pharmacological techniques that are based on cognitive behaviour therapy and enhance insight, particularly cognitive insight, among patients with schizophrenia who exhibit violent behaviour.

Safety climate and workplace violence prevention in state-run residential addiction treatment centers

To examine the association between violence prevention safety climate measures and self reported violence toward staff in state-run residential addiction treatment centers. In mid-2006, 409 staff from an Eastern United States state agency that oversees a system of thirteen residential addiction treatment centers (ATCs) completed a self-administered survey as part of a comprehensive risk assessment. The survey was undertaken to identify and measure facility-level risk factors for violence, including staff perceptions of the quality of existing US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program elements, and ultimately to guide violence prevention programming. Key informant interviews and staff focus groups provided researchers with qualitative data with which to understand safety climate and violence prevention efforts within these work settings. The frequency with which staff reported experiencing violent behavior ranged from 37% for "clients raised their voices in a threatening way to you" to 1% for "clients pushed, hit, kicked, or struck you". Findings from the staff survey included the following significant predictors of violence: "client actively resisting program" (OR=2.34, 95% CI=1.35, 4.05), "working with clients for whom the history of violence is unknown" (OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.18, 3.09) and "management commitment to violence prevention" reported as "never/hardly ever" and "seldom or sometimes" (OR=4.30 and OR=2.31 respectively), while controlling for other covariates. We utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to begin to describe the risk and potential for violence prevention in this setting. The prevalence of staff physical violence within the agency's treatment facilities was lower than would be predicted. Possible explanations include the voluntary nature of treatment programs; strong policies and consequences for resident behavior and ongoing quality improvement efforts. Quantitative data identified low management commitment to violence prevention as a significant predictor of staff reported violence.

The relationship between attachment, personality and antisocial tendencies in a prison sample: A pilot study

This study examined the role of adult attachment and personality in relation to antisocial tendencies (i.e. convictions for violence and interpersonal problems in romantic relationships) in Norwegian prison inmates (N=92). Attachment styles and personality were measured using self-report questionnaires (RSQ; Griffin & Bartholomew, 1994; and NEO-FFI, Costa & McCrae, 1992a). The prison inmates scored higher on avoidant than on anxious attachment style. While age and agreeableness (negatively associated) emerged as significant predictors of violence, anxious attachment explained most of the variances in aggression in intimate relationships. The study suggests that different types of antisocial tendencies could have different attachment and general personality correlates.

Screen time and physical violence in 10 to 16-year-old Canadian youth

To examine the independent associations between television, computer, and video game use with physical violence in youth. The study population consisted of a representative cross-sectional sample of 9,672 Canadian youth in grades 6-10 and a 1-year longitudinal sample of 1,861 youth in grades 9-10. The number of weekly hours watching television, playing video games, and using a computer was determined. Violence was defined as engagement in ≥2 physical fights in the previous year and/or perpetration of ≥2-3 monthly episodes of physical bullying. Logistic regression was used to examine associations. In the cross-sectional sample, computer use was associated with violence independent of television and video game use. Video game use was associated with violence in girls but not boys. Television use was not associated with violence after controlling for the other screen time measures. In the longitudinal sample, video game use was a significant predictor of violence after controlling for the other screen time measures. Computer and video game use were the screen time measures most strongly related to violence in this large sample of youth.

Intimate Partner Violence and Contribution of Drinking and Sociodemographics

To estimate prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Brazilian couples and to assess the contribution of drinking and sociodemographic factors to the risk of IPV. A sample consisting of 1,445 married or cohabitating males and females in the Brazilian population was interviewed. The survey response rate was 66%. The analyses indicate 10.7% and 14.6% prevalence, respectively for male-to-female and female-to-male IPV. Males were drinking in 38.1% of IPV events and females in 9.2%. The male's partner was drinking in 30.8% and the females' partner in 44.6% of IPV acts. Bivariate associations between violence and sociodemographics were found for age groups, household monthly income and educational level. Logistic regression analysis indicate that younger age for both male and female partners, men with no religious affiiliation and women who are homemakers are significant predictors of violence. This survey provides important information to further IPV research in Brazil.

Predictors of violence in young tourists: a comparative study of British, German and Spanish holidaymakers

International youth holiday resorts feature many of the key risk factors for violence, including large numbers of bars and nightclubs and high levels of substance use. However, little information currently exists on the extent of violence amongst holidaymakers or factors that increase risks of involvement in fights on holiday. A cross-sectional comparative survey of 3003 British, German and Spanish holidaymakers aged 16-35 years, undertaken in the departure areas of Ibiza and Majorca (Spain) airports. Nightlife was the most common reason for destination choice in both locations. Overall, more than half of participants reported drinking to drunkenness at least 2 days per week during their holiday (59.3% Majorca, 58.0% Ibiza; significantly lower in Spanish participants in both locations). Levels of illicit drug use were highest in Ibiza and in British and Spanish holidaymakers. Levels of violence were highest in Majorca, where 6.4% of participants reported involvement in a fight, compared with 2.8% in Ibiza. However, after controlling for confounding factors, holiday destination was not a significant predictor of violence. Predictors of fighting were being male, young, British, frequent drunkenness and use of cannabis or cocaine during the holiday. Use of ecstasy on holiday was associated with not being involved in violence. High levels of substance use contribute to violence being a relatively common feature of young people's visits to international holiday resorts. To protect the health and well-being of holidaymakers and local populations in popular resorts, violence and substance use prevention must adapt to an increasingly globalized nightlife.