Treating Perpetrators of Domestic Violence: Gender Differences in the Applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Female perpetrated intimate partner violence has commonly been treated, both legally and clinically, similarly to male perpetrated violence. However, there is little empirical research of the gender differences in treatment needs or the applicability of classic models of batterer intervention for women. This study examines the applicability of one theory that has commonly been used to guide treatment of male perpetrators, the theory of planned behavior. R. M. Tolman, J. L. Edleson, and M. Fendrich (1996) found the components of this theory to be moderately predictive of abusive behavior among males. In a survey of 114 male and female participants in batterer intervention counseling in Los Angeles County, the current study confirmed that the model predicted male behaviors but found the model did not apply to female violent behavior.     

Female Pornography Use and Sexual Coercion Perpetration

This study assesses the effect of low self-control on traditional offending-oriented outcomes and three imprudent behaviors—“drunk dialing,” public profanity, and public flatulence. The sample consists of approximately 500 undergraduate students. The results from the regression analyses show that low self-control is associated with typical offending, academic fraud, and binge drinking. More importantly, low self-control is also associated with making telephone calls while under the influence of alcohol, using offensive language in public places, and publicly expelling digestive gases. The results suggest that low self-control not only explains traditional offending-oriented outcomes, but also understudied forms of social deviance.