Examining associations between COVID-19 stressors, intimate partner violence, health, and health behaviors

Abstract

The economic, social, and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to increase the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. IPV victimization may, in turn, contribute to physical and mental health, substance use, and social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary objective of the current study was to understand the extent to which 1) COVID-19 stressors are associated with IPV victimization and 2) IPV victimization is associated with health and health behaviors. Participants ( N = 1,813) completed an online survey between May 15 and 28, 2020 that assessed COVID-19 stressors (financial anxiety, social disconnection, health anxiety, COVID-19-specific stress), IPV victimization, physical and mental health, substance use, and movement outside of the home. Structural equation modeling indicated that greater COVID-19-related stressors were associated with greater IPV victimization during the pandemic, even after controlling for enduring vulnerabilities associated with IPV victimization. Additionally, greater IPV victimization during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher levels of substance use and movement outside of the home, but not poorer physical and mental health. COVID-19 stressors may have detrimental relationship effects and health implications, underscoring the need for increased IPV intervention and support services during the pandemic. Findings from the current work provide preliminary correlational evidence for a theoretical model centered on IPV victimization, rather than perpetration.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Intimate Partner Violence Advocates and Agencies

“…As an example, Gosangi et al ( 2021 ) noted a decline in the number of patients seeking healthcare for IPV-related injuries but of those that sought care, the severity of injuries was greater during the pandemic compared with previous years. Similarly, a study by Gresham et al ( 2021 ) noted associations between increased COVID-19 stressors and physical IPV victimization.…”

A descriptive literature review of early research on COVID-19 and close relationships

“…We use Karney and Bradbury’s (1995) vulnerability-stress-adaptation (VSA) model as adapted by Pietromonaco and Overall (2021) to the COVID-19 context to further categorize and understand these themes. This model has been successfully used in multiple COVID-19 and close relationship studies that were ultimately included here (e.g., Fleming & Franzese, 2021 ; Gresham et al, 2021 ; Holmberg et al, 2021 ; Vowels et al, 2021 ). Using family and relationship theory, this adapted VSA model proposes that (1) external stress (such as COVID-19 and its attendant regulations, change in job status, isolation, etc.…”

Couple Conflict and Intimate Partner Violence during the Early Lockdown of the Pandemic: The Good, the Bad, or Is It Just the Same in a North Carolina, Low-Resource Population?

“…Previous research has shown that alcohol consumption is associated with feelings of behavioral and mental disengagement, indicating that alcohol-related coping is generally ineffective and could further exacerbate the risk for engaging in intimate partner violence [ 28 , 29 ]. Links among COVID-19 stressors, IPV victimization, substance use, and quarantine behaviors are emerging [ 30 ]. Additionally, alcohol consumption is financially costly, and, when consumed in excess, is associated with many other negative physical health and disease processes.…”