Family Functioning and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence (LPV) Among Married University Lecturers

Abstract

This study investigated family functioning and coping strategies as predictors of intimate partner violence (IPV) among married university lecturers. One hundred and two participants (39 males, 63 females), aged 29–51 years (M = 37.10, SD = 6.234), were selected using purposive sampling. Instruments included the Intimate Partner Violence Attitude Scale— Revised (IPVAS), Beavers Self-Report Family Inventory (SFI), and the Brief COPE Scale. Correlational design and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 27. Results revealed that family functioning significantly predicted the abuse dimension of IPV: health/competence positively (Stβ = 8.885*, t = 2.737*), while conflict (Stβ = -7.672*, t = -2.678*) and leadership (Stβ = -2.325*, t = -2.848*) negatively predicted abuse (p < .05). Family functioning did not predict the violence or control dimensions. Emotion focused coping positively predicted the control dimension (Stβ = .692**, t = 3.281**, p < .001), while problem-focused coping was not significant. Combined, family functioning and coping strategies jointly predicted abuse (F = 12.802***, p < .001) and control (F = 5.871***, p < .001) dimensions. The findings suggest that functional family dynamics may reduce abuse tendencies, while reliance on emotion-focused coping can intensify controlling behaviours. Enhancing adaptive coping and promoting healthy family processes are critical for mitigating IPV.