The Abusive Personality: Violence and Control in Intimate Relationships

by Donald G. Dutton

This influential book provides an innovative framework for understanding and treating intimate partner violence. Integrating a variety of theoretical and empirical perspectives, Donald G. Dutton demonstrates that male abusiveness is more than just a learned pattern of behavior--it is the outgrowth of a particular personality configuration. He illuminates the development of the abusive personality from early childhood to adulthood and presents an evidence-based treatment approach designed to meet this population's unique needs. The second edition features two new chapters on the neurobiological roots of abusive behavior and the development of abusiveness in females.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Abuse

273 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Anthony]

Good thoughts and treatment models but research points to heavily on borderline personality as culprit for domestic abuse.

[Defaeco]

4.3/5 an outstanding work in psychology. It brings together a range of theories and research to shed light on the psychological traits and patterns that can lead to abusive behavior, in great detail.

Not the main topic of the book, but contra to some popular movements, abusive relationships are not about gender -- it's about personality. You have the same amount of abusive women as men.

The Abusive Personality" could be seen as a classic within the niche field of understanding and treating domestic violence and abusive behavior. It has certainly been influential and continues to be widely cited. I think it may be a "classic" within the field of psychology in general. Time will tell.

[Molly]

Very useful information, clearly written, and a book I wish that I had read several years ago.

[Greg]

Very similar to The Batterer