Neuro Networks and Psychopathology

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the United States contributes to 38% of global homicides (Trabold, McMahon, Alsobrooks, Whitney, & Mittal, 2020; Scheffer, 2019). This study analyzed the relationship between static and dynamic factors in determining intimate partner (IPV) lethality. Lethality was operationalized as the degree of deadliness of the form of violence. Static factors were defined as historical variable; whereas dynamic factors were operationalized as variables that are subject to change. Gray and McNaughton’s revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality (2000) formed the theoretical basis for IPV lethality. This theory links neural networks, personality, and sociohistorical factors to explain violence (Pickering & Corr, 2008). A linear regression found lethality risk was predicted by obsession ( t = 4.422, p < .001) and by emotion dysregulation ( t = 2.268, p < 0.026). Correlations additionally found lethality risk correlated with obsession (r = 0.406, p < .001) and with emotion dysregulation ( r = 0.239, p < 0.011). Additional findings concluded obsession correlated with childhood sexual abuse ( r = 02.50, p < 0.008) and childhood physical abuse ( r = 0.184, p < 0.055). Furthermore, obsession correlated with alcohol use ( r = 0.250, p < 0.033). Thus, IPV lethality was associated with both static (childhood physical and sexual abuse), and dynamic factors (obsession, emotion dysregulation, and alcohol use). The findings suggest that static and dynamic factors may alter neural networks IPV offenders resulting in higher risk for IPV lethality.