Purpose This study aims to identify subtypes of male perpetrators of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) through latent class analysis (LCA), and to examine whether executive functioning (EF) contributes to differentiating these subtypes. Design/methodology/approach The sample comprised 996 men convicted of IPVAW in Spain. First, LCA was conducted using psychological and violence-related variables proposed by Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart (1994). Subsequently, latent class regression (LCR) analyses were performed to assess the associations between EF variables and class membership. Findings Four perpetrator classes were identified: moderate antisocial (MA), low-risk family-only (LRFO), severely violent antisocial and a novel situational family (SF) group. LCR results indicated that EF variables were not strong predictors of class membership. The only exception was cognitive flexibility: lower attentional cost – reflecting better flexibility – was associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to the LRFO group compared to the MA group. Practical implications These findings highlight the heterogeneity of male IPVAW perpetrators and introduce a new profile, the SF subtype. Although most EF variables were not differentially associated with class membership, the observed link with cognitive flexibility suggests that neuropsychological assessment may provide added value for tailoring intervention strategies to perpetrators’ individual cognitive profiles. Originality/value This study contributes novel insights by assessing whether executive functioning (EF) – working memory, inhibition, decision-making and cognitive flexibility – predicts class membership among IPVAW perpetrators within a LCR framework, based on the Holtzworth-Munroe typology. While previous research relied on psychological and violence-related indicators, this is the first to evaluate EF as a predictor. Although EF variables did not consistently predict class membership, cognitive flexibility showed a small but significant association. Moreover, replicating the original typology revealed a previously unreported class – SF – highlighting overlooked perpetrator profiles and supporting the relevance of integrating cognitive dimensions into typological models.

PurposeDue to the prevalence and severity of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW), there is a growing literature focused on understanding the risk factors for perpetrating it. The purpose of this study is to analyse whether exposure to IPVAW in the family of origin, experiencing childhood maltreatment, perpetrating and/or experiencing bullying, as well as being involved in antisocial behaviours during childhood and adolescence, increase the risk of male IPVAW perpetration in adulthood.Design/methodology/approachData were extracted from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The sample consisted of 1,011 men from the general population, categorised into two groups: those who engaged in any form of IPVAW (psychological, physical and/or sexual violence) (n = 163) and those who reported no violent behaviour (n = 848) at 21.5 years old.FindingsPrevalence of IPVAW perpetration was estimated, and the percentages of the variables of interest among male IPVAW perpetrators were reported. The results showed that exposure to IPVAW in the family of origin, experiencing childhood maltreatment, perpetrating bullying, as well as being involved in antisocial behaviours during childhood and adolescence, increased the risk of IPVAW perpetration in adulthood.Originality/valueThe findings could be useful in prevention programmes. Additionally, they highlight the importance of including childhood and adolescent experiences of violence in intervention programmes for male IPVAW perpetrators.

Purpose Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a global issue associated with significant adverse consequences for women who experience it. Despite extensive research on social and behavioural factors, the role of neuropsychological variables in IPVAW perpetration remains underexplored. The purpose of this study is to examine whether neuropsychological performance indicators during childhood and early adolescence (ages 8, 10 and 11), specifically attention, working memory, verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), performance IQ and total IQ, are associated with IPVAW perpetration in early adulthood. Design/methodology/approach This study used longitudinal cohort data (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children study), examining neuropsychological assessments during childhood (ages 8, 10 and 11) and IPVAW perpetration in early adulthood. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to analyse neuropsychological performance and its association with IPVAW perpetration in early adulthood. Findings Overall, male IPVAW perpetrators and non-perpetrators displayed similar neuropsychological performance. In addition, none of the cognitive functions assessed at ages 8, 10 and 11 were associated with subsequent IPVAW perpetration in early adulthood. Research limitations/implications This study underscores the need for research on longitudinal risk factors for IPVAW perpetration focusing on the development of effective prevention strategies and intervening at early ages. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the neuropsychological performance in childhood of male IPVAW perpetrators at 21.5 years and non-perpetrators using longitudinal data.

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. 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. Multivariate analysis of covariance analysis was carried out to explore differences between groups, controlling for drug use, loss of consciousness due to brain injury, and years of education. 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. These findings suggest that while working memory may be a crucial factor in both violent and non-violent offenses, 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.

Objective: Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a significant global public health concern, resulting in a growing scientific literature on different IPVAW perpetrator classifications. Although prior research has found differences in some variables from the theoretical explanatory models of IPVAW, only a few studies have used the specialist/generalist IPVAW perpetrators classification. This classification delineates individuals' criminal histories: generalists possess diverse criminal records, while specialists exclusively engage in IPVAW offenses. Consequently, this study aims to (a) identify key variables distinguishing specialist and generalist IPVAW perpetrators, drawing from prior research, and (b) explore the relevance of social cognition and neuropsychological factors. Method: One thousand five males convicted of IPVAW crimes were categorized as either specialists (n = 523) or generalists (n = 482). Two block logistic regression analyses were conducted: one to ascertain which factors, identified in previous studies with other IPVAW perpetrator classifications, were most pertinent in differentiating between specialists/generalists, another incorporating additional psychological variables, and two new blocks: social cognition and executive functioning. Results: The results showed that age, having children, having a complaint for two or more types of violence (physical, psychological, and/or sexual violence), blaming the ex-partner, and scoring higher on perspective increased the likelihood of being a specialized perpetrator in IPVAW. Conversely, longer sentences, jealousy, exposure to IPVAW, distorted thoughts about violence, and meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) criteria for drug dependence reduced this likelihood. Conclusions: These findings underscore the heterogeneity among IPVAW perpetrators and carry implications for crafting targeted interventions to enhance treatment adherence and diminish dropouts in this population.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most common types of violence against women. Although personality disorders have been associated with IPV, perpetration research regarding personality according to the classification specialist/generalist IPV perpetrators is scarce. The general aim of this study was to describe personality in a large sample of IPV Spanish male perpetrators considering their classification (specialist vs. generalist). Participants were 1093 men convicted of IPV crimes whose ages ranged from 18 to 76 years old (M = 40.15; SD = 10.32). Of them, 554 men were classified as specialist perpetrators and 539 men were classified as generalist perpetrators. Participants completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographic and violence aspects as well as the Spanish version of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III. Generalist perpetrators showed higher means in nearly all the personality disorders scales compared to specialist perpetrators. Prevalence rates in the majority of personality disorders were lower than 5%. Higher scores on the avoidant, histrionic, and self-defeating scales and lower scores on the aggressive, borderline, and drug dependence scales were related to being a specialist perpetrator. This study contributes to a better understanding of personality among generalist and specialist perpetrators.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) constitutes a major public health problem worldwide. The existing links between childhood family violence experiences and perpetration of IPV during adulthood suggest that violence is transmitted across generations. The aims of this study were to provide new insights into characteristics of the history of childhood family violence in a sample of Spanish convicted male batterers and to examine what typology of batterer (specialist or generalist) is more likely to have had different types of childhood experiences of violence in the family context. Participants were 740 men convicted of IPV whose ages ranged from 18 to 71 years old (M = 39.74; SD = 10.01). Of them, 305 men were classified as specialist batterers, and 391 men were classified as generalist batterers. Participants completed a questionnaire made ad hoc regarding family of origin violence and sociodemographic aspects. Results showed that, in comparison with generalist batterers, specialist batterers had higher likelihood of having experienced child abuse or maltreatment during their childhood, having experienced physical punishment and child neglect, having their father as the aggressor of such experienced situations of abuse, or maltreatment. Likewise, specialist batterers had higher likelihood of having been witnesses of family violence, having witnessed physical and psychological violence in the family, having witnessed their mother and siblings being the victims and their father being the aggressor when family violence occurred. This study emphasized the need for identifying children exposed to direct and indirect family violence because they could be a vulnerable group for future IPV perpetration. Moreover, variables related to childhood family violence must be considered when developing intervention treatment programs focused on male specialist batterers.

Objective: To analyse sexual behaviour, HIV testing, HIV testing intentions and reasons for not testing for HIV in university students from Cuzco (Peru). Methods: The sample comprised 1,377 university students from several institutions from Cuzco (Peru). The size of the sample was set according to a maximum 3% error estimation and a 97% confidence interval. Ages ranged from 16 to 30 years old. The data were collected through a self-administered, anonymous and voluntary questionnaire regarding sexual behaviour and HIV testing. The data were collected in classrooms during teaching hours. Results: A higher percentage of males than females reported having had vaginal, anal and oral sex, a higher number of sexual partners and an earlier age at first vaginal and oral sex. A higher percentage of females than males did not use condoms when they first had anal sex and had a higher anal sex-risk index. Most of the participants had never been HIV tested. The main reason was that they were sure that they were not HIV infected. Conclusions: It seems that there was a low HIV risk perception in these participants despite the fact that they had been involved in sexual risk behaviours. Prevention campaigns focused on the general population as well as the at-risk populations and young people are needed. (C) 2017 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espatia, S.L.U.

HIV testing is important in terms of prevention and treatment. However, HIV testing rates in the Spanish general population remains low. Therefore, HIV testing promotion constitutes a key issue. A high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS is associated with having been tested for HIV. The general aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of people who had ever been tested for HIV in Spain. The sample consisted of 1,106 participants from the general population 60.0% females and 40.0% males aged between 17 and 55years old. The assessment instruments were a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and HIV testing, a scale of knowledge about STIs and HIV/AIDS, and a scale of concern about STIs/HIV. Results showed that greater knowledge about STIs and HIV was associated with a greater likelihood of being tested for HIV (OR = .77; 95.0% CI = .73-.82; p < .05). In addition, higher concern about HIV/AIDS decreased the likelihood of not having been tested for HIV (OR = .87; 95.0% CI = .83-.92; p < .05). In fact, the higher participants concern about STIs was, the lower their likelihood of not having been tested for HIV was (OR = .87; 95.0% CI = .83-.91; p < .05). It is necessary to promote HIV testing in the general population as well as to consider their socio-demographic and psychological characteristics.

The general aim of this study was to make a comparative analysis between parents and adolescents regarding knowledge about prevention and transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV, communication about sexuality and attitude towards condom use. Participants were 326 parents and 326 adolescents from El Salvador. Results showed that parents had a higher knowledge compared to adolescents (p=.04). Adolescents showed a higher positive attitude towards condom use compared to their parents (p=.00). Fathers (Mean=11.65; SD=4.07) and mothers (Mean=11.75; SD=3.99) reported a higher frequency of communication with adolescents than they did (Mean in communication with father=8.92; p=.00; mean in communication with mother 10.78; p=.01). These results indicate the need on sexual health interventions in Latino teens from a socio-ecological perspective.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate ex post facto resilience in persons with HIV infection and its relationship to socio-demographic and sexual behavior variables. Participants included 159 persons with HIV infection, of both sexes, aged between 19 and 55 years. Fifty-one percent of patients were infected through homosexual means. Sixty-seven percent were in the asymptomatic phase of infection. Assessment instruments used were the following: a questionnaire on socio-demographic data and sexual behavior and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The evaluation was individual, voluntary, and anonymous. The results showed that 49.05% of patients had average resilience, 27.68% had high resilience, and 23.37% had low resilience. They found that heterosexual patients infected with HIV, diagnosed between 1985 and 1990 (23 and 28 years of diagnosis) and those who had disclosed their HIV status to more than 30 people, had greater resilience than homosexual patients, diagnosed between 1996 and 2000 (13 and 17 years of diagnosis) and those who had disclosed their HIV status to 1–5 people. Finally, resilience was not a predictor of sexual risk factor. It is suggested that health interventions take into account the resilience and psychological variables that may be beneficial to improve coping with the disease.

ResumenEl objetivo general de este estudio fue examinar el conocimiento de padres/madres e hijos acerca de la prevención y la transmisión de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS)/VIH, la comunicación familiar sobre la sexualidad y la actitud hacia el uso del preservativo.Participaron 326 progenitores y 326 hijos adolescentes salvadoreños.Los progenitores tenían un mayor conocimiento que sus hijos (p=.04), mientras que éstos mostraban una mayor actitud positiva hacia el uso del preservativo (p=.00).Los padres informaban de una mayor frecuencia de comunicación (Media padre=11.65;DT=4.07;Media madres= 11.75; DT=3.99) de la que indicaban sus hijos (Media comunicación con el padre =8.92; p=.00; media comunicación con la madre 10.78; p=.01).Estos resultados indican la necesidad de intervenciones sobre salud sexual en adolescentes latinos desde una perspectiva socio-ecológica.

The wider availability of anti-retroviral treatment has brought about an improvement in the immunological situation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals, which in turn has led to significant reductions in AIDS-related morbidity and mortality and better quality of life for patients. However, the rate of diagnosis of new cases of HIV among the adult population is on the increase due to high-risk sexual behavior practices, particularly not using condoms, sexual relations with a large number of partners and starting sexual relations at a younger age, with unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. For this reason, public health managers have invested considerable effort in recent years in creating STI and HIV prevention programs. Yet, in spite of the implementation of measures for reducing the rates of infection, few studies have been published in Spain comparing individuals living with HIV with the general population about cognitive variables and the link between these variables and high-risk sexual behavior. The objective was to compare a group of individuals living with HIV with another group from the general population in terms of cognitive variables (knowledge about STIs and HIV, concern about STI/HIV and pregnancy, self-efficacy to refuse sexual relations and resilience) and sexual behavior. The sample consisted of 318 adults, 159 were from the general population and 159 were individuals living with HIV. Individuals living with HIV had higher scores for concern about HIV/AIDS, STIs, pregnancy and knowledge of STI/HIV compared with the general population. We concluded that uninfected people who had low and high level of concern about HIV/AIDS began having anal sex at a younger age than those with a medium level of concern. Overall, results indicate that the concern about HIV/AIDS should be addressed in preventive health interventions to minimize the risks of sexual behavior.

The objective of this study is to make a theoretical review on resilience in adults between the year 2000 and 2011. A search of papers published in the databases Scopus, PsycInfo, Psicodoc, Web of Science and summaries Dialnet and ISOC (Social Sciences and Humanities) was performed. In total, 418 items were found that met the inclusion criteria. We conclude that in the studies published between 200 and 2011 on resilience in adults prevail cross-sectional studies, published in English, quantitative, and using samples from USA. Resilience is related psychological disorders. It is emphasized the need to include resilience in health education programs to improve ways of coping in the context of risk and adversity.

Sexual satisfaction and positive attitudes toward condom use promote its use. The main aim of this paper is to assess and analyze the relationship between sexual satisfaction, attitudes toward condom use, and condom use amongst adolescents. The participants were 1504 Spanish school adolescents of both sexes (48.40% male, 51.60% female). A descriptive study was conducted using cross-sectional surveys with probabilistic samples. An increased positive attitude towards condom use in males predicts higher likelihood of condom use in the first vaginal and anal intercourse. Partner sexual satisfaction predicts an increased likelihood of condom use in the first oral sexual intercourse. In addition, sexual satisfaction related to harmony with the partner is associated with a lower likelihood of condom use in the first oral sexual relationship. In females, greater personal sexual satisfaction predicts higher likelihood of not having used a condom in the first vaginal intercourse. Furthermore, higher sexual satisfaction in females - related to harmony with the partner - increased the likelihood of having used a condom during the first vaginal intercourse. The percentages of explained variance are low. It is recommended that future studies analyze sociocultural factors related to gender roles that may be influencing the associations between sexual satisfaction, attitudes toward condom use, and sexual risk amongst adolescents. Copyright (C) 2014, Konrad Lorenz University Foundation. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

Resumen es: El proposito del presente estudio fue analizar la in􀃁uencia de variables religiosas sobre la actitud hacia el uso del preservativo en adolescentes. Se o...