The Role of Psychopathic Features and Developmental Risk Factors in Trajectories of Physical Intimate Partner Violence

Objective: Limited research has examined the association between different dimensions of psychopathy and membership in trajectories of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) while also considering developmental precursors. Thus, the current study examined the role of adolescent unidimensional, interpersonal-affective, and lifestyle-antisocial psychopathic features and developmental risk factors in trajectories of physical IPV in young adulthood.Method: Data were derived from 885 male offenders who participated in the Pathways to Desistance Study and were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV).Results: Semi-parametric group-based modeling identified three trajectories of physical IPV from ages 18 through 25: (a) a no physical IPV trajectory (70.5%, n = 624), (b) a low-level physical IPV trajectory (21.9%, n = 194), and (c) a high-level decreasing physical IPV trajectory (7.6%, n = 67). In multinomial logistic regression models controlling for exposure to violence, substance abuse, and peer delinquency, PCL:YV Total scores were associated with an increased likelihood of membership in the low-level and high-level physical IPV trajectories compared to the no physical IPV trajectory. In addition, Factor 2 scores (lifestyle-antisocial features) were associated with an increased likelihood of membership in the high-level decreasing physical IPV trajectory compared to the no physical IPV trajectory. Factor 1 scores (interpersonal-affective features) were unrelated to trajectory group assignment.Conclusions: Psychopathic features in adolescents should be considered in prevention and intervention strategies targeting physical IPV.