Abstract

Transition to parenthood can be a high-stress period for both partners. Partner violence among couples has been associated with increased stress, depression and reduced quality of life. Research also shows a link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance misuse, such that substance misuse often precedes IPV, and IPV is a risk factor for escalation of substance misuse. However, research investigating the effects of IPV and substance misuse on the health and quality of life of couples during the transition to parenthood is limited. In this study, the relationship between IPV, substance misuse, selected social factors and quality of life was examined. Cross-sectional data was collected from ninety-eight cohabitating couples in mid-sized city in British Columbia, Canada who were expecting their first child. Couples attended the research laboratory where they completed self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaires included questions on IPV, substance use, various psychosocial scales (i.e., perceived stress, social support), and quality of life, as measured by the WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Using regression analyses, the experiences of IPV were examined as potential determinants of quality of life across four domains (physical, psychological, social and environmental) after controlling for substance misuse and other social factors. Results provide support for the hypothesized relationship between IPV and quality of life, but they varied by gender. For women, psychological aggression in the relationship was inversely related to physical, psychological, social and environmental quality of life domains. For men, psychological aggression was inversely related to social and environmental quality of life domains only. The results suggest that IPV might have a negative impact on health-related quality of life independent of substance misuse, and that different forms of IPV are related to differential consequences for men and women.