A comparison study of depressive symptoms in victims and perpetrators of intimate partner violence measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II

This study examined the role of depressive symptoms among perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). This research extended on literature outlining depression as a condition in victims of IPV. Furthermore, this study compared victim experience of depressive symptoms to the presence and severity of symptoms in male and female IPV perpetrators. Existing research on domestic violence indicated the presence in abuse among intimate partner is prevalent. Although less research is dedicated to the psychological functioning in perpetrators of IPV, it was important to examine both perpetrators and victims for treatment implications and providing preventative services. In an effort to connect research in depression and IPV, specifically as it relates to both perpetrator and victim emotional functioning, this study was proposed. It was hypothesized that females will show higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to perpetrators, and female perpetrators will show comparable levels of depressive symptoms to male perpetrators while showing lover levels compared to female victims. Hypotheses were tested using 329 BDI-II profiles from an archival source that provided mental health services to the female victims and perpetrators from both genders represented in this study. A comparative case analysis explored endorsed symptoms and severity levels across gender and program condition (victims and batterers). The findings support the hypotheses and show victims and females significantly (p < .05) endorse more depressive symptoms and at higher severity levels compared to perpetrators overall and males on the BDI-II. Perpetrators across genders were found to show comparable levels of depressive symptom expression. Females differed only in depressive symptoms expression across victim and perpetrator conditions. The findings offer insight into the presence of depressive symptoms in both victims and perpetrators of IPV and provide support for the use of symptom screening measures for treatment.