Domestic Violence

Introduction

The topic I have chosen for this essay is Domestic Violence. The reason I have chosen this topic is because as a psychology major, I intend to focus on Child Psychology, and domestic violence is a major area where many psychological problems occur in children and adolescents. By focussing on domestic violence in this essay, we will be able to better understand the influences and behaviours in the mind of a child in a violent home setting. By understanding and explaining domestic violence, we will have more knowledge on how to avoid domestic violence and/or better treat the victims of this problem. In this essay I will address the Authoritarian personality theory and domestic violence.

Literature Review 1

According to Ascione & Arkow (1999), there are links that have been recognized throughout history between animal cruelty and domestic/interpersonal violence.

Study conducted by Sarah Degue & David DeLillo to assess the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. The study used a sample of 860 college students recruited from 3 universities: a University in California (50.8%), a University in Nebraska (12.7%), and a College in Ohio (36.5%). Study used male (24.4%) and female (75.6%) participants, of which: 70.1% White, 11.2% Asian, 7.1% Hispanic, 4.2% Black, and 7.4% not listed.

Participants provided demographic information, and reports of child maltreatment and violence in their family of origin using the Computer-Assisted Maltreatment Inventory (CAMI). “The CAMI is a computer-based, self-report measure designed to assess for a childhood history of sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence.” (Degue & DeLillo, 2009, p.1042).

An examination of the overlap between animal cruelty and family violence in this college sample provides some support for the links hypothesis proposed by child and animal welfare advocates, with results indicating that a significant amount of individuals had been...