SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY AND INTIMATE VIOLENCE AMONG MEN PARTICIPATING IN A FAMILY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM

ABSTRACT

Akers’ social learning theory is a general framework explaining both conforming and non-conforming behavior. This rubric has become one of the most influential theories in examining deviance. Tests of learning theory as an explanation for domestic violence, however, have been limited in number and with regard to the populations and outcomes examined. The present study tests the ability of Akers’ social learning theory to explain self-reported intimate partner violence among 204 male domestic batterers attending a court-mandated family violence program. Consistent with the theory, the findings indicated that differential association was the strongest predictor of intimate partner violence. Contrary to the theory, differential reinforcement and imitation were significantly and negatively related to intimate partner violence. Overall, the results provided weak and mixed support for social learning theory. Implications and directions for future research based on the findings are discussed.