Citation

Reed E, Silverman JG, Raj A, Rothman EF, Decker MR, Gottlieb BR, Molnar BE, Miller E. Am. J. Men. Health 2008; 2(3): 260-271.

Affiliation

Department for Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. elizabeth.reed@yale.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1557988308318863

PMID

19477789

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine qualitatively the life contexts of young males enrolled in programs addressing perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV). Semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 males recruited from these programs. Interviews were coded to examine life contexts and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Five themes emerged across interviews: (a) disruptive home environment; (b) lack of positive male role models; (c) a peer context characterized by substance use, gang involvement, and behaviors supporting the sexual maltreatment of girls; (d) school circumstances characterized by a lack of academic support; and (e) community exposures to violence. These factors were often interrelated within the various contexts of participants. Further research is needed to provide insight into whether and how these issues may contribute to IPV perpetration. Efforts to support young males regarding a broad array of concerns should be included in programming to reduce IPV perpetration.

Language: en