The incidence of violence and abuse in adulthood especially Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a compound matter that requires deep understanding engrained in psychological theories. While there are many applicable theories in the explanation behind IPV, the Cycle of Violence theory is the best in explaining the occurrence of IPV. The theory is a persuasive framework for understanding the continuance of abuse and violence in adulthood. The theory suggests that abusive behavior patterns are not secluded happenings but are recurring and can be passed from one generation to another (Herrenkohl et al 2022). The cycle of violence theory is noteworthy because it highlights the recurring character of abuse and the risk aspects that aggregate the possibility of fierceness, presenting a detailed explanation for the existence of violence in adulthood. Nonetheless, the incorporation of additional theories is vital to deeply explain and strengthen the understanding of IPV. This paper will discuss why the cycle of violence theory is the most compelling theory in explaining IPV, In addition, it will discuss other principles that are equally important in capturing the complexity of IPV.
First, the cycle of violence theory offers persuasive details for understanding the continuation of IPV via intergenerational transmission. According to the theory, children who see or undergo abuse are highly likely to show violent characters in their adult interactions (Herrenkohl et al 2022). The claims are strengthened by numerous research that reveals a noteworthy connection between early involvement in family ferocity and the heightened risk of IPV in later life 9 Herrenkohl et al 2022). Core to the cycle of violence is its prognostic nature, which defines a noticeable pattern of character intensifying toward fierceness. The pattern is usually categorized into four phases namely tension building, the occurrence of abuse, the honeymoon stage, and the moment of calm (Herrenkohl et al 2022). The recurring model helps understand and recognize the development towards ferocious deeds, offering an outline for identifying possible caution signs.
In addition, the theory echoes the ideologies of social learning theories. According to the theories, behaviors are learned by observing and imitating other people, proposing that children who witness violence may regularize fierceness as a reaction to conflict or stressful situations (Herrenkohl et al 2022). The acquired behavior can lead to intense psychological effects, as abuse at early ages may twist viewpoints and social relations promoting prejudices that obscure the building of healthy relationships and possibly extend the cycle of violence. Getting to know the cycles is vital in formulating preventive actions. Also, the theory enables one to understand the stages of violence. Besides it stresses the importance of tackling existing trauma and interrupting the phases of violence by use of support services and interventions. Recognizing the primary causes of IPV facilitates the effective development of more efficient intervention and prevention methods to handle the occurrence of IPV.
Lastly, the cycle of violence theory employs the idea of resilience which recognizes that experiencing violence does not necessarily result in its continuation 9 Herrenkohl et al 2022). The acknowledgment opens the doors to interventions and research that concentrate on recovery and resilience emphasizing the capability for individuals to get away from the cycle and fake adopt veracious ways of living.
Nonetheless, Even though the cycle of violence model provides noteworthy insights, the theory alone may not present the whole range of elements leading to IPV. According to Eckhardt and Massa (2022), psychological models including attachment theory and social learning theory offer more insights. Attachment theory reveals how childhood affection patterns shape adulthood relationship forces, with apprehensive affections linked to increased incidents of IPV. Social learning theory, equally, suggests that involvement with ferocity in early years nature hostile characters in later years (Eckhardt & Massa, 2022).
Notably, Gerino et al. (2018) highlight the importance of circumstantial aspects in understanding IPV. According to the authors, elements such as cultural norms mental health concerns, drug abuse, and socioeconomic conditions play vital parts in continuing fierceness in intimate relationships (Gerino et al., 2018). Hence, an inclusive theory should reflect the different elements in addition to the intergenerational spread of ferocity. Incorporating the different theories enables the formation of a strong understanding of IPV. Important to note, that early involvements create the foundation for later behavior. For instance, an individual witnessing violent incidents during childhood may grow harsh characters, intensified by drug abuse or social customs tolerating violence.
Unfavorably, although the attachment theory and the social learning theory enlighten people’s understanding of IPV, they also have weaknesses. The focus on childhood involvements may ignore incidents where a person facing violence did not witness it in their early years. Besides, the theories may fail to completely represent LGBTQ and IPV aspects or cultural differences in expressing intimate partner violence (Gover et al., 2018).
Like the attachment theory and the social learning theory, the cycle of violence theory also faces critiques and weaknesses when used in adult abuse and violence. The theory overgeneralizes the proposal that children involved in ferocity are prone to becoming prey or culprits of IPV later in life. The theory does not consider individuals who despite such experiences, end up with non-violent behaviors. Notably, the criticism stresses the necessity for a nuanced understanding that recognizes the resilience and managing techniques of individuals. Also, while violence is a complex aspect influenced by societal, individual, cultural, and relational elements, the cycle of violence theory’s ability to oversimplify violence paths does not completely capture the complexity. It is vital to employ a wider view that acknowledges the numerous forces on ferocious behavior. Another weakness of the cycle of violence is the risk of victim-blaming. By stressing the spread of ferocity from generation to generation, the theory involuntarily implies that victims of violence are accountable for their abuse. However, it is vital to acknowledge that abuse is erratic and the obligation of responsibility is with the committer, not the victim.
In conclusion, the cycle of violence is a persuasive framework for understanding the continuance of abuse and violence in adulthood. It suggests that abusive behavior patterns are not secluded happenings but are recurring and can be passed from one generation to another. Core to the cycle of violence is its prognostic nature, which defines a noticeable pattern of character intensifying toward fierceness. The pattern is usually categorized into four phases namely tension building, occurrence of abuse, honeymoon stage, and moment of calm. In addition, the theory echoes the ideologies of social learning theories proposing that children who witness violence may regularize fierceness as a reaction to conflict or stressful situations. Nonetheless, Even though the model provides noteworthy insights the inclusion of psychological models including attachment theory and social learning theory offers more insights into the complexities of IPV. Attachment theory reveals how childhood affection patterns shape adulthood relationship forces, with apprehensive affections linked to increased incidents of IPV. Social learning theory, equally, suggests that involvement with ferocity in early years nature hostile characters in later years.
Reference
Eckhardt, C.I., Massa, A.A. (2022). Psychological Theories of Intimate Partner Violence. In: Geffner, R., White, J.W., Hamberger, L.K., Rosenbaum, A., Vaughan-Eden, V., Vieth, V.I. (eds) Handbook of Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Across the Lifespan.
Gerino, E., Caldarera, A. M., Curti, L., Brustia, P., & Rollè, L. (2018). Intimate Partner Violence in the Golden Age: Systematic Review of Risk and Protective Factors. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1595. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01595Links to an external site.
Gover, A., Richards, T., & Patterson, M. (Eds.) (2018). Explaining violence against women within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV). SAGE Publications, Inc., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483399591Links to an external site.
Herrenkohl, T. I., Fedina, L., Roberto, K. A., Raquet, K. L., Hu, R. X., Rousson, A. N., & Mason, W. A. (2022). Child maltreatment, youth violence, intimate partner violence, and elder mistreatment: A review and theoretical analysis of research on violence across the life course. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 23(1), 314-328.
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