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BIS/BAS Variables as Moderators of the Rumination-Intimate Partner Violence Link

  • RESEARCH AND INTERVENTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
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Abstract

Although cognitive rumination is related to violence perpetration, not all people who ruminate become violent. Four personality variables—impulsivity, anxiety, anger-in, anger-out—were tested as possible moderators of the link between the tendency to ruminate and the frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV). Variables related to the Behavioral Activation System (anger-out and impulsivity) were predicted to strengthen the rumination-IPV link; whereas measures related to the Behavioral Inhibition System (anger-in and anxiety) would suppress this link. As predicted, anger-out, anger-in, and impulsivity moderated the relation between rumination and IPV. No evidence was found for suppressor variables. Thus, appetitive drives appear to amplify the effect of rumination on violence. Clinically, therapeutic techniques that address rumination, anger, and impulsivity may help to reduce IPV risk.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 126 Heyne Building, Houston, TX, 77204-5022, USA

    Joan Marianne Sotelo & Julia C. Babcock

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  1. Joan Marianne Sotelo
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  2. Julia C. Babcock
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Correspondence to Julia C. Babcock.

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This project was funded by Grant R03 MH066943-01A1 from the National Institutes of Health and by the University of Houston.

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Sotelo, J.M., Babcock, J.C. BIS/BAS Variables as Moderators of the Rumination-Intimate Partner Violence Link. J Fam Viol 28, 233–242 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-013-9500-6

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