FREE ESSAY ON PREDICTORS OF HUSBAND TO WIFE VIOLENCE

PREDICTORS OF HUSBAND TO WIFE VIOLENCE

Critical Analysis of Journal Article
Article: Feldbau-Khon, S., Heyman, R., and O'Leary, K. (1998). Major depressive disorder
and depressive symptomatology as predictors of husband to wife physical abuse. Violence
and Victims, 13, 347-359.
Introduction
The work of Feldbau-Khon, S., Heyman, R., and O'Leary, K. is described in the article,
"Major Depressive Disorder and Depressive Symptomatology as Predictors of Husband to Wife
Physical Aggression." The authors tested the link between a husband's depressive
symptomatology and the frequency of physical aggression toward his wife. Also tested was
the husband's Major Depressive Disorder and the frequency of physical aggression towards
his wife. 
The authors had four hypotheses. 1: Clinically depressed men are more physically
aggressive. 2: Depressive symptomatology is associated with frequency of physical
aggression. 3: Depressive symptomatology effects on physical aggression are accounted for
by other variables. 4: Depressive symptomatology effects on psychological aggression are
accounted for by other variables. 
The study assessed physically aggressive men who volunteered for treatment with their
wives. Participants responded to newspaper announcements offering free therapy for
relationship conflicts. All spouses completed three-hour assessments consisting of
structured interviews and self-report measures. Almost one third had moderate levels of
depressive symptomatology, but only 11% met the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
(MDD).
Although a significant relationship between increased depressive symptomatology and
frequency of physical aggression was found, the relationship was most likely accounted
for by self- reported anger. 
Weaknesses
One weakness with this study is the makeup of the sample. The racial composition of the
sample was 1.3% Black, 1.3% Asian, and 97% White. No Hispanics were included in the study
although Hispanic men are also sometimes very violent to their wives. The sample should
have had more diversity, not be made up almost entirely of Whites. Some races are more
naturally violent than others are because its part of their culture. Using mostly whites
in this study taints it because different depression could be a major factor affecting
the physical violence of whites but perhaps not men of other races.
Another weakness of this study is that it is never mentioned whether or not any of the
subjects were taking any sort of medication. Many types of medications, for example any
type Serotonin inhibitor, can affect violent behavior. 
The fact that the subjects were volunteers raises an issue. The participants responded to
an advertisement for free therapy for relationship conflicts. These people wanted help.
They were not ordered by the court to obtain therapy. This may suggest that they somehow
have a different frame of mind than others who might not seek help, therefore, we cannot
make accurate assumptions about the results of the study.
Another issue one must take into consideration is that the participants completed a
three-hour assessment for which they were not being paid for. They could have become
tired, annoyed, bored, or frustrated. This could have affected their answers to the
questions asked in the interview to determine whether or not they had MDD. They could
also have not been revealing their true selves in the self-report. The interviews were
conducted by grad students and a research assistant, not by the actual researchers or by
doctors. There is a possibility they could have overlooked things a professional with
more experience would have caught.
Strengths of the Article
One of the strengths of this article is that it stresses the possibility of outside
factors affecting the physical violence. An example of this kind of variable is
self-reported anger. A relationship where one person is depressed may in fact be a very
chaotic relationship where anger and frustration can result in violence. In this case,
the violence is may not be a direct result of the depression; instead it may result from
the anger and frustration or marital discord that may accompany depression. The study
recognizes that there are other factors of life that can affect the physical violence. 
Conclusion
Although the study has its weaknesses, it is still a valuable learning tool. The study is
consistent with other studies that have emphasized the role of anger in regard to
husband-to-wife physical aggression. Much more research still has to be done to better
understand the connection between MDD and husband-to-wife physical aggression. With every
study performed, we come closer to realizing the true connection between the two.