Life stressors and husband-to-wife violence

The current review critically evaluates the research conducted on the relat ionship between life stressors, and husband-to-wife violence. Empirical wor k suggests that there may be multiple pathways accounting for the relations hip between life stressors and husband-to-wife violence. Contrary to previo us reviews of the literature, we found that the existing evidence supports a direct association between life stressors and husband-to-wife violence. I n addition, a number of variables mediate and moderate the relationship bet ween life stressors and violence including marital satisfaction, depression , attitudes accepting of husband-to-wife violence, violence in the family o f origin, and alcohol abuse/dependence. In order to assist investigators in terested in conducting research in this area, we conclude this review by id entifying remaining problems in the research and recommending possible solu tions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.