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Long-Term Drug Misuse Increases the Risk of Cognitive Dysfunctions in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: Key Intervention Targets for Reducing Dropout and Reoffending

Author

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  • Ángel Romero-Martínez

    (Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco, Ibañez, 21 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Marisol Lila

    (Department of Social Psychology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco, Ibañez, 21 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Luis Moya-Albiol

    (Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco, Ibañez, 21 46010 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a major public health problem, with an important mortality rate in women across the world. In this regard, it has been well-established that drug misuse explains (at least in part) an increased risk of IPVAW perpetration. Even though alcohol is the most widely studied drug underlying IPVAW, other drugs, such as cannabis and cocaine also seem to be significant indicators of this type of violence. Nonetheless, little is known about mediators, such as cognitive domains that facilitate proneness to violence after drug consumption. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to compare drug misuse patterns and cognitive performance in a carefully selected sample of IPVAW perpetrators ( n = 63) and a group of non-violent men (control group; n = 39). Second, we also aimed to study the association between different patterns of drug misuse and cognitive performance and several facets of IPVAW perpetration (i.e., severity of injuries and type of aggression). Our results revealed that IPVAW perpetrators showed considerably higher levels of sustained drug misuse (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and heroin) for years and worse cognitive performance than controls. Moreover, the highest drug misuse sustained over time was related to the worst cognitive performance and the highest IPVAW severity. Finally, alcohol and cocaine seemed to be related to IPVAW and risk of reoffending. Whereas, cannabis, heroin, and MDMA were related to the existence of a previous criminal record (delinquency without violence). Hence, research in this field would help to develop coadjutant treatments and intervention packages to reduce drug misuse in the initial stages, which in turn would reduce cognitive impairments in IPVAW perpetrators. These expected improvements might produce an increase in treatment adherence and a decrease in the risk of future IPVAW reoffending.

Suggested Citation

  • Ángel Romero-Martínez & Marisol Lila & Luis Moya-Albiol, 2019. "Long-Term Drug Misuse Increases the Risk of Cognitive Dysfunctions in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: Key Intervention Targets for Reducing Dropout and Reoffending," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:20:p:3792-:d:274479
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ángel Romero-Martínez & Marisol Lila & Manuela Martínez & Vicente Pedrón-Rico & Luis Moya-Albiol, 2016. "Improvements in Empathy and Cognitive Flexibility after Court-Mandated Intervention Program in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: The Role of Alcohol Abuse," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Ángel Romero-Martínez & Marisol Lila & Enrique Gracia & Luis Moya-Albiol, 2019. "Dropout from Court-Mandated Intervention Programs for Intimate Partner Violence Offenders: The Relevance of Alcohol Misuse and Cognitive Impairments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-11, July.
    3. Sara Vitoria-Estruch & Ángel Romero-Martínez & Marisol Lila & Luis Moya-Albiol, 2018. "Could Alcohol Abuse Drive Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators’ Psychophysiological Response to Acute Stress?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-15, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. María Fernanda Páramo & Fernando Cadaveira & Carolina Tinajero & María Soledad Rodríguez, 2020. "Binge Drinking, Cannabis Co-Consumption and Academic Achievement in First Year University Students in Spain: Academic Adjustment as a Mediator," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-14, January.

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