Understanding the Intersection Between Men's Alcohol Use, Masculinity and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Bree Willoughby, Koen Smit, Ingrid M Wilson et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined how men’s alcohol use and endorsement of masculine norms relate to male-to-female intimate partner violence (MFIPV) perpetration. Of 6,441 records identified, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Greater alcohol-use frequency (pooled OR = 1.39, p = .004) and stronger masculine norm endorsement (pooled OR = 1.12, p = .007) were each associated with higher odds of perpetration. Their combined interaction was not statistically significant (pooled OR = 1.00, p = .758). A qualitative synthesis also explored how masculinity was conceptualized in relation to alcohol.
Key findings
- Greater alcohol-use frequency was associated with higher odds of MFIPV perpetration (pooled OR = 1.39, p = .004).
- Higher masculine norm endorsement was associated with higher odds of MFIPV perpetration (pooled OR = 1.12, p = .007).
- The alcohol-use-by-masculinity interaction was not statistically significant (pooled OR = 1.00, p = .758).
- Differences in study sample sizes and measurement tools accounted for significant proportions of observed heterogeneity.
Why it matters
The findings distinguish two factors associated with MFIPV perpetration from their proposed combined effect: alcohol use and masculine norm endorsement each showed independent associations, while evidence for an interaction was not significant. This helps frame prevention research and clinical assessment without implying that either factor alone explains violence or that their combination has an established effect.
What to keep in mind
The included studies differed in sample size and measurement tools, contributing to heterogeneity; the interaction between alcohol use and masculinity remains underexplored.