Synergistic Effects of Depression and Poor Impulse Control on Physical Partner Violence; A National Longitudinal Study in United States

Background: Although major depressive disorder (MDD) also increases the risk of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) perpetration, poor mental health has been mostly conceptualized as a consequence of IPV victimization rather than a risk factor for IPV perpetration. Poor impulse control is another IPV risk factor. Building on a risk / risk framework, this study investigates additive and multiplicative effects of male partners’ MDD and poor impulse control on physical IPV victimization reported by female partner. Methods: This longitudinal study followed 2,500 male and female cohabiting partners for two years. Data came from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). Male partner’s MDD was the independent variable. Baseline socio-demographic factors (age, relation status, education level, income, and minority status) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Alcohol Abuse (AA) were covariates. Outcome was female partner’s physical IPV victimization measured at baseline and two years later. Male partner’s impulse control was the moderator. Results: In Model I that tested additive effects of SES, GAD, AA, MDD, and poor impulse control did not show main effects of MDD or impulse control on an increase in perpetration of physical IPV over two years. Model II showed that MDD predicts an increase in perpetration of physical IPV of men with poor impulse control, but not men with high impulse control. Conclusion: There is a need for prevention of IPV by male partners who have multiple risk factors such as MDD and poor impulse control.