Prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among court-referred male perpetrators of intimate partner violence

Psychol Serv. 2015 Feb;12(1):9-15. doi: 10.1037/a0037338. Epub 2014 Jun 30.

Abstract

Despite the documented association between intimate partner violence perpetration and suicidal ideation, few studies have examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation in men attending batterer intervention programs. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation in 294 males court-ordered to a batterer intervention program. Twenty-two percent of the sample reported experiencing suicidal ideation within the 2 weeks prior to entering the batterer intervention program. Multiple linear regression indicated that depression and borderline personality disorder symptoms, but not intimate partner violence perpetration, victimization, or antisocial personality disorder symptoms, accounted for significant variance in suicidal ideation. These results suggest that symptoms of depression and borderline personality disorder observed in males attending batterer intervention programs should warrant thorough suicide risk assessment. Implications of the findings and limitations of the study are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / epidemiology
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Crime Victims / psychology
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data
  • Criminals / psychology
  • Criminals / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence / psychology
  • Intimate Partner Violence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Judicial Role
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Men / psychology*
  • Prevalence
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Young Adult