Alcohol Use and Physical Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Black Men: The Moderating Effect of Interpersonal Social Support
Authors: Lee, Kerry A.; Smith, Melissa E.; Bright, Charlotte Lyn
Source: Journal of Interpersonal Violence, DOI: 10.1177/08862605231156, March 2023
Type of Publication: Journal Article
Abstract: Studies have consistently shown an association between alcohol use in adulthood and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Yet, no known studies have examined this relationship when considering social support as a potential moderator with a sample of Black men. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined the moderating role of interpersonal social support on alcohol use in adulthood and physical IPV perpetration among Black men. Data for 1,127 Black men were obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Condition (NESARC, Wave 2). Descriptive and logistic regression models were run with weighted data using STATA 16.0. Results from logistic regression analyses revealed that alcohol use in adulthood significantly predicted IPV perpetration (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, p < .001). Interpersonal social support significantly moderated (OR = 1.01, p = .002) the relationship between alcohol use and IPV perpetration among Black men. Additionally, age, income, and perceived stress were significantly associated with IPV perpetration among Black men. Our study findings highlight the role of alcohol use and social support in exacerbating IPV perpetration among Black men, and the need for culturally responsive interventions to address these public health concerns throughout the life course.