Family violence, employment status, welfare benefits, and alcohol drinking in the United States: what is the relation?. Issue 3 (1st March 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez, E; Lasch, K E; Chandra, P; Lee, J
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 55:Issue 3(2001)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2001-03-01
• Subjects: family violence -- alcohol misuse -- employment status -- welfare benefits; Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.55.3.172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVES: This study examined the contribution of employment status, welfare benefits, alcohol use, and other individual, and contextual factors to physical aggression during marital conflict. METHODS: Logistic regression models were used to analyse panel data collected in the National Survey of Families and Households in 1987 and 1992. A total of 4780 married or cohabiting persons re-interviewed in 1992 were included in the analysis. Domestic violence was defined as reporting that both partners were physically violent during arguments. RESULTS: It was found that non-employed respondents are not at greater risk of family violence in comparison with employed respondents, after controlling for alcohol misuse, income, education, age, and other factors; however, employed persons receiving welfare benefits are at significantly higher risk. Alcohol misuse, which remains a predictor of violence even after controlling for other factors, increases the risk of family violence while satisfaction with social support from family and friends decreases it. CONCLUSION: These results underscore the important effect of alcohol misuse on domestic violence, and the need to monitor the potential impact of welfare reform on domestic violence.