The I3 Model posits that intimate partner violence (IPV) is determined by the relative strength of instigatory, impellance, and inhibitory factors. Although much research has examined nonsexual IPV, few studies have used the I3 Model to examine sexual IPV. This study investigated the effects of sexual IPV victimization (an impellor) and psychological flexibility (an inhibitor) on sexual IPV perpetration within a dyadic framework. Participants nested within 617 intimate couples completed measures of psychological flexibility and sexual IPV perpetration and victimization. Results showed that Actor IPV victimization was positively and Actor psychological flexibility was negatively associated with Actor IPV perpetration. Among those who experienced low levels of IPV victimization, psychological flexibility inhibited IPV perpetration. This inhibiting effect did not extend to Actors who experienced high levels of IPV victimization. Findings highlight the complex interactions between I3 factors and support continued dyadic examination of IPV perpetration etiology.
Keywords: actor–partner interdependence model; domestic violence; intimate partner violence; sexual violence.