Neuropsychological functioning during childhood and its association with intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) in early adulthood

Purpose Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a global issue associated with significant adverse consequences for women who experience it. Despite extensive research on social and behavioural factors, the role of neuropsychological variables in IPVAW perpetration remains underexplored. The purpose of this study is to examine whether neuropsychological performance indicators during childhood and early adolescence (ages 8, 10 and 11), specifically attention, working memory, verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), performance IQ and total IQ, are associated with IPVAW perpetration in early adulthood. Design/methodology/approach This study used longitudinal cohort data (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children study), examining neuropsychological assessments during childhood (ages 8, 10 and 11) and IPVAW perpetration in early adulthood. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to analyse neuropsychological performance and its association with IPVAW perpetration in early adulthood. Findings Overall, male IPVAW perpetrators and non-perpetrators displayed similar neuropsychological performance. In addition, none of the cognitive functions assessed at ages 8, 10 and 11 were associated with subsequent IPVAW perpetration in early adulthood. Research limitations/implications This study underscores the need for research on longitudinal risk factors for IPVAW perpetration focusing on the development of effective prevention strategies and intervening at early ages. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the neuropsychological performance in childhood of male IPVAW perpetrators at 21.5 years and non-perpetrators using longitudinal data.