Changes in Economic Hardship and Intimate Partner Violence: A Family Stress Framework

Abstract

While recent studies underscore how financial stress and lack of tangible assets significantly increase the odds of intimate partner violence (IPV) among couples, little is known about these effects over time. Theoretically informed by family stress theory, this study examines the influence of changing subjective reports of economic hardship over time on the risk for IPV. Specifically, we test two hypotheses: (1) change in economic hardship significantly predicts IPV; and, specifically, (2) increased economic hardship or unstable economic conditions increases the risk of IPV. Using longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study, we assess the incidence of IPV for 941 women in committed relationships. Results from our logistic regression analyses suggest that after controlling for numerous demographic factors, women who never experienced economic hardship had lower odds of experiencing IPV than those who did. Further, women who experienced high levels of economic hardship over time had the highest odds of experiencing IPV. However, the effects of changing economic hardship on IPV were attenuated once maternal depression and parenting stress were controlled. Results are discussed in terms of practice and policy implications.

The causes and consequences of household financial strain: A systematic review

“…The consequences of financial strain are not confined to the individual. Economic pressures make marriage less likely for poor women (Schneider and Hastings, 2015) while lowering couple quality time (Gudmunson et al, 2007) and increasing controlling behaviour (Schneider et al, 2016), intimate partner violence (Lucero et al, 2016), marital conflict (Dew, 2007) and the intensity of disagreements (Gudmunson and Danes, 2011). However, the effects on divorce are ambiguous, at least in the US (Cohen, 2014).…”

Changes in intimate partner violence during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA

“…Nationwide stay-at-home policies following the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly interrupted daily life and introduced strains or exacerbated stressors (like job loss, poor mental health and lack of social support) across the USA. 1 2 Past literature has shown parenting stress, 3 economic hardship, 4 food insecurity, 5 eviction threat and utilities nonpayment 5 increase the risk of violence, like intimate partner violence (IPV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define IPV as abuse or aggression that occurs in a close relationship of current or former spouses and dating partners.…”

Families’ Financial Stress & Well-Being: The Importance of the Economy and Economic Environments

“…Since its inception in the late 1970s, the Journal of Family and Economic Issues (JFEI) has been dedicated to the important academic mission of exploring and understanding families’ financial well-being within the contexts of their economic environments. The journal’s literature published within the most recent decade—a time period that encompasses the Great Recession—continues this legacy and has made important contributions on a range of topics including income, wealth, and debt (Addo et al 2019 ; Fan and Chatterjee 2019 ; Hancock et al 2013 ), economic hardship (Lucero et al 2016 ; Schieman and Young 2011 ), financial stress (Kramer et al 2019 ; Valentino et al 2014 ), and strategies for coping with hardship, like saving money (Fisher and Montalto 2011 ; Fontes 2011 ; Haron et al 2013 ).…”

“… Methods : regression Data set : survey of income and program participation (SIPP) Longitudinal : 2008 N = 18,379 Outcome variable(s) : economic hardship Incomes shocks or changes and having a person with a disability join the household were associated with hardship measures The sources of instability, e.g., income shocks, tended to have greater harm when they were introduced and hardships were not necessarily alleviated when they were removed 9. Lucero et al ( 2016 ) Economic hardship What is the influence of changing subjective reports of the economic hardship over time on the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV)? Methods : logistic regression Data set : fragile families and child well-being study Longitudinal : N = 941 Outcome variable(s) : intimate partner violence (IPV) Women who never experienced economic hardship had lower odds of experiencing IPV than those who did Women who experienced high levels of economic hardship over time had the highest odds of experiencing IPV The effects of changing economic hardship on IPV were attenuated after controlling for maternal depression and parenting stress 10.…”