Is there a different executive functioning profile for intimate partner violence against women perpetrators compared to other offenders?

Abstract

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a significant global public health issue, causing substantial physical, psychological, and sexual harm. Research on the neuropsychological aspects of IPVAW perpetrators, particularly executive cognitive functions, is limited. However, this area of study is critical due to the established link between executive functioning impairment and aggressive behavior. This study explores whether men convicted of IPVAW present different executive function performance compared to men convicted of other crimes and non-convicted men, while also distinguishing between generalist and specialist IPVAW offenders. Methods. The sample comprised 234 participants divided into five groups: 55 specialist IPVAW perpetrators, 33 generalist IPVAW perpetrators, 49 non-violent offenders, 33 violent offenders, and 64 non-offenders. MANCOVA analysis was carried out to explore differences between groups, controlling for drug use, loss of consciousness, and years of education. Results. Results showed no differences among the groups in cognitive flexibility, decision-making, and inhibition, except for working memory. All convicted groups exhibited lower working memory performance compared to non-offenders, but no differences were found among the convicted groups. Conclusions. These findings suggest that while working memory may be a crucial factor in both violent and non-violent offences, general executive deficits are not distinguishing features among different types of offenders. The study underscores the importance of focusing on working memory in interventions to mitigate criminal behavior and suggests further research to differentiate between IPVAW and other offenders to refine prevention and treatment strategies.