Antecedent factors of marital conflict tactics : early experience of violence and approval of violence

Conflict is an inevitable part of family interaction and is expressed through a variety of tactics in different families. Whether family members learn to use reasoning or physical violence when conflict occurs is partially determined by the socialization they have received in the family of orientation. Many adults have learned to use violence to such an extent that ensuing family disruptions have become a major social concern.

The major purpose of this study was to examine the antecedent factors (early experience with reasoning, verbal aggression and physical violence) of marital conflict tactics used by couples who are identified as spouse abusers (clinical) and couples who are not identified as spouse abusers (nonclinical). This research examined the degree to which the present use of reasoning and physical violence (conflict tactics) can be predicted by the spouses' previous experience with and attitudes toward conflict tactics. Comparisons were made between the kinds of conflict tactics used by clinical and nonclinical couples and between spousal perceptions of the level of conflict tactics used. Social learning theory provided a framework for examining the antecedents of tactics used in marital conflict.

Two purposive samples included 12 couples who had sought intervention for physical violence in the marital relationship and 12 couples who reported that they had not sought intervention. Samples were matched on educational attainment by gender. Data were obtained from both spouses and were collected by using four Conflict Tactic Scales (Straus, 1979).

Conclusions were reached that reasoning received in the family of orientation may result in the learning and use of reasoning in the family of procreation by males and females. No differences existed between clinical and nonclinical samples on the use of reasoning but differences were found between self perception and spousal perception of reasoning used by clinical females. Furthermore, verbal aggression and physical violence observed and received in the family of orientation may result in the learning and use of physical violence in the family of procreation by males and females. Differences existed between clinical and nonclinical samples on use of physical violence and differences were found between self perception and spousal perception of physical violence used by clinical males.