Differences in personality variables in drug-addicted patients with and without intimate partner violence

Abstract

This study explores the differences in personality characteristics of patients in treatment for drug addiction, comparing those who have committed intimate partner violent with those who do not. 125 subjects on treatment in the programs of the Proyecto Hombre Navarra Foundation were assessed. Sociodemographic and substance use variables (EuropASI), violent behaviours against intimate partners (CTS-2), interpersonal response (IRI), the anger expression (STAXI), impulsivity (BIS) and the degree of bad adaptation to daily life due to the drug consumption (Maladjustment Scale) were evaluated. The results showed that 33.6% of the patients had committed abusive behaviors against a partner in the past. The group with violent behaviours showed significantly higher scores in state-anger and anger-trait, as well as higher levels of impulsivity (motor and global). This group had a higher prevalence of women than men. There were no differences in other variables.