Male‐perpetrated violence among Vietnam veteran couples: Relationships with veteran's early life characteristics, trauma history, and PTSD symptomatology

Using structural equation modeling, we examined the impact of early‐life stressors, war‐zone stressors, and PTSD symptom severity on partner's reports of recent male‐perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) among 376 Vietnam veteran couples. Results indicated that several variables demonstrated direct relationship with IPV, including relationship quality with mother, war‐zone stressor variables, and PTSD symptom severity. Importantly, retrospective reports of a stressful early family life, childhood antisocial behavior, and war‐zone stressors were indirectly associated with IPV via PTSD. One of our 2 war‐zone stressor variables, perceived threat, had both direct and indirect (through PTSD) relationships with IPV. Experiencing PTSD symptoms as a result of previous trauma appears to increase an individual's risk for perpetrating IPV. Implications for research and treatment are discussed.