Life stressors and husband-to-wife violence

The current review critically evaluates the research conducted on the relationship between life stressors and husband-to-wife violence. Empirical work suggests that there may be multiple pathways accounting for the relationship between life stressors and husband-to-wife violence. Contrary to previous reviews of the literature, we found that the existing evidence supports a direct association between life stressors and husband-to-wife violence. In addition, a number of variables mediate and moderate the relationship between life stressors and violence including marital satisfaction, depression, attitudes accepting of husband-to-wife violence, violence in the family of origin, and alcohol abuse/dependence. In order to assist investigators interested in conducting research in this area, we conclude this review by identifying remaining problems in the research and recommending possible solutions.