Family Violence or Aggression: Social Psychology Report

This report delves into the intergenerational transmission of violence, a key concept in social psychology, examining the link between witnessing interparental aggression in childhood and intimate partner violence in adulthood. It explores the various forms of family violence, including psychological and physical abuse, and their impact on both men and women. The report highlights the potential consequences of exposure to violence, such as difficulties in conflict resolution and adverse health outcomes, while also acknowledging that not all children who witness violence become violent adults. The report references studies and research to support its claims and concludes by emphasizing the complex and debatable nature of the relationship between childhood experiences of violence and subsequent intimate partner violence, suggesting that individual factors play a significant role.

Running head: Family Violence or Aggression, Social Psychology
Family Violence or Aggression, Social Psychology
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Author Note

1FAMILY VIOLENCE OR AGGRESSION, SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
The intergenerational transmission of violence is a primary theoretical thought to clarify
the connection between interparental aggressions in the family and intimate partner violence in
relationships that are close in nature (Black, Sussman & Unger, 2010). The treatment and
prevention of intimate partner violence is regarded as a health problem that requires attention.
This is because of the fact that it has an extensive scope, it has a damaging effect on the social
system and family. Intimate partner violence is a persistent mold of psychological, sexual and
physical abuse in order to gain observance over an individual through the tactics of fear and
takes place in both adolescence and adult relationships (Black, Sussman & Unger, 2010). The
reasons given by both men and women for turning aggressive against a spouse include the fact
that they are not able to articulate themselves verbally, due to rage, an outlet to help release
tension , a need to feel superior and powerful, to get the attention of others and to prove one’s
love (D.S et al., 2010).
Recent research shows that annually 4.8 million women are subjected to domestic
violence, physical assaults and rape (Black, Sussman & Unger, 2010). Psychological abuse such
as insults and violence possesses similar traits of physical violence. According to studies,
psychological abuse has a far greater effect on the victim than physical abuse (Black, Sussman &
Unger, 2010). In addition, research shows that, being a witness to interparental violence in
childhood leads to IPV in teenage years, right through adulthood. According to studies,
youngsters who had been a witness to physical abuse as a child, tended to indulge in dating
violence as adolescents. Thus, one unfortunately learns violence in childhood, which is then
experienced in personal intimate relationships later in life.

2FAMILY VIOLENCE OR AGGRESSION, SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Usually those who perpetuate violence are a spouse and a former or current boyfriend/
girlfriend. Violence takes place in both same sex couples as well as heterosexual couples (D.S et
al., 2010). Both men and women suffer from physical and psychological violence but women are
likelier to experience injuries than men are. Both psychological and physical violence are
associated with adverse physical health and mental consequences, problems in accessing good
and proper health care in both men and women and an increase in sexual risk most notably HIV
transmission.
Children who parents are violent might not have the chance to learn the positive outcome
of negotiations, reasoning, tactics of self-calming and active listening that are conducive to
conflict resolution and effectual communication (Black, Sussman & Unger, 2010).
However, in recent years research has shown that majority of the children who
experience violence at home does not become violent and aggressive adults and indulge in
violence with their partners. In addition, studies show that only men who witness domestic
violence as a child grow up to be violent unlike women (Black, Sussman & Unger, 2010). To
conclude one can say that it is rather debatable that observing parental violence and parental
assault as a child leads to intimate partner violence in adulthood. It all depends on the nature of a
person.

3FAMILY VIOLENCE OR AGGRESSION, SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
REFERENCES and BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Black, D. S., Sussman, S., & Unger, J. B. (2010). A further look at the intergenerational
transmission of violence: Witnessing interparental violence in emerging
adulthood. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 25(6), 1022-1042.
Dardis, C. M., Dixon, K. J., Edwards, K. M., & Turchik, J. A. (2015). An examination of the
factors related to dating violence perpetration among young men and women and
associated theoretical explanations: A review of the literature. Trauma, Violence, &
Abuse, 16(2), 136-152.
Haselschwerdt, M. L., Savasuk-Luxton, R., & Hlavaty, K. (2017). A methodological review and
critique of the “intergenerational transmission of violence” literature. Trauma, Violence,
& Abuse, 1524838017692385.
Saint-Eloi Cadely, H., Pittman, J. F., Pettit, G. S., Lansford, J. E., Bates, J. E., Dodge, K. A., &
Holtzworth-Munroe, A. (2018). Predicting patterns of intimate partner violence
perpetration from late adolescence to young adulthood. Journal of interpersonal violence,
0886260518795173.