An Empirically Generated Typology of Men Who Batter

Abstract

The goal of this research was to determine whether profiles of men who batter their female intimate partners differ significantly according to their attachment style, violent and nonviolent conflict resolution tactics, psychopathology, jealousy, and alcoholism. The sample consisted of 201 men enrolled in domestic violence programs. The design was a self-report survey consisting of the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ); Conflict Tactic Scales, Revised (CTS2); Basic Personality Inventory (BPI); Multidimensional Jealousy Scale (MJS); and Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Cluster analysis was used to classify subjects based on the similarity of their behavioral and personality profiles. Post-hoc analyses were computed to assess significant differences in terms of cluster-determining as well as demographic variables. Cluster analysis yielded five discernable clusters: pathological, sexually violent, generally violent, psychologically violent, and family-only. Comparisons to previously identified typologies, implications, and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• aggression
• batter
• cluster analysis
• domestic violence
• intimate partner violence
• typology