This section is organized by theories pertinent to IPV perpetration, intervention, and perpetuation. Constructs are discussed in relation to the theories to which they belong, and IPV specific examples of these constructs are given. Intergenerational Transmission Theory will be described with Social Learning Theory, and Stages of Change Theory will be discussed with Theory of Reasoned Action. Theories and their respective constructs are illustrated in Figure 1 at the end of this section. Figure 2 shows the constructs pertaining to IPV perpetration that were most salient throughout most theories examined.
Ecological Systems Theory can be applied to explain risk factors and determinants for perpetration of IPV at varying levels of influence.…show more content… It should be noted that Social Learning Theory is now termed Social Cognitive Theory, and includes additional constructs aside from those discussed in this literature review. However, as the articles examined used the term Social Learning Theory, that is what will be used in this review. Cognitions that contribute to learned IPV perpetration include thoughts about the rewards and costs of such behavior (Cochran, Sellers, Wiesbrock, & Palacios, 2011). Behaviors are repeated and learned when expected rewards are greater than costs. Rewards of IPV may be maintaining a relationship, or the continuation of financial support, while costs might be shame and embarrassment (Cochran et al.). IPV victim behavior can also be explained through rewards and costs. When the rewards of an abusive relationship, such as a place to live or financial support, outweigh the costs of abuse, a victim is more likely to stay (Cochran et al.). IPV perpetration by men specifically, may also become a learned behavior as a result of the internalization of traditional gender role norms, and the idea that men have power over women (Fleming, Gruskin, Rojo, & Dworkin, 2015). Men who feel excluded from benefits of male power, men of color for example, may turn to displaying their masculinity in physical ways, such as violence (Fleming et al.). Further, men who…show more content… The Stages of Change Theory includes five categories in which those making a behavior change may fall: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance (Shorey et al., 2013). Researchers at the University of Tennessee found that strong, positive social networks, or positive subjective norms, are an important determinant of intent to leave an abusive relationship, especially when victims are in the pre-contemplation and action stages (Shorey et al.). Relationship commitment was also an important determinant of intentions to leave abuse, regardless of in which stage of change a victim found themselves, such that greater commitment kept victims in abusive relationships longer (Shorey et al.). Their research also shows that battered women tend to turn to friends and family first for help rather than professionals, and that interventions for victims of IPV were successful when tailored to a victims current stage of change (Shorey et al.). Those designing interventions for IPV should therefore assess victims’ stages of change and relationship commitment, and include significant members of a victim’s social network, when aiming to help victims begin or complete the process of leaving an abusive
