Substance use correlates for emotional intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization: A meta-analysis

Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to explore the connection between types of substance use and emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization for both men and women. Method: Data from 86 studies, yielding 129 effect sizes, were analyzed. Effect sizes for the relationship between each substance use factor and perpetration and victimization were calculated. Q-statistics were calculated to examine if there were significant heterogeneity in the strength of the relationship perpetration and victimization for each substance use factor, as well as for men and women. Results: Drug use, alcohol use and general substance use were significantly associated with both emotional IPV perpetration and victimization. Drug use and alcohol use had significantly stronger relationships with perpetration than victimization. No gender differences were found. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive examination of existing information on the relationship between substance use and emotional IPV. Limitations and research implications are described. Using the self-regulation model of attachment trauma and substance abuse, clinical implications are discussed for perpetration and victimization of emotional IPV.