Jealousy and anxiety in male domestic abusers: A comparative study

• Main Authors: Sidnei Rinaldo PRIOLO FILHO, Ricardo da Costa PADOVANI, Lucia Cavalcanti de Albuquerque WILLIAMS
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas 2019-03-01
• Series: Estudos de Psicologia (Campinas)
• Subjects: Ansiedade; Ciúme; Violência contra a mulher
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-166X2019000100903&lng=en&tlng=en

Abstract The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between partner’s jealousy and the anxiety level presented by male domestic abusers, comparing these variables with men of similar age, socio-economic status, and educational level, without a history of domestic violence. The sample consisted of 20 male abusers and 20 men without a history of violence towards their partner. A Batterer Semi-Structured Interview on Family of Origin; the Romantic Jealousy Scale; and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used as instruments. The groups did not differ statistically regarding age, education, and income; however, they were statistically different regarding the variables jealousy and anxiety levels. Abusers presented higher scores on jealousy and anxiety than non-abusers It is suggested that jealousy combined with anxiety may contribute to intimate partner violence. Future studies could further investigate this possibility using larger samples.