Relationship between harsh physical, parental disciplining during childhood and intimate partner violence among men in Nyeri County

Abstract

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent problem that threatens the societal welfare both in developed and developing nations. Most efforts to alleviate it have focused on women victims of male perpetrated IPV. Despite increasing media reports of men experiencing IPV, there is paucity of information on the prevalence of such victimization and the risk factors associated with it especially in Kenya. This study sought to establish the prevalence of IPV and its relationship with harsh physical parental disciplining during childhood among men in Nyeri County. Methods: Ex post facto correlational design was utilized while a multi-stage probability sampling was used to arrive at the sample. A questionnaire comprising of two tools the IPV scale and the harsh discipline scale were used to collect data. Focus group discussions were also used to collect qualitative data. Correlations between harsh parental disciplining and IPV were established using Pearson’s Product Moment correlation Coefficient. Results: High prevalence of IPV among men was reported. Of the three types of IPV reported that is physical psychological and sexual IPV, psychological IPV was the most prevalent. A significant positive relationship between harsh parental disciplining and experience of IPV was established. Discussion: Parental education as well as counselling for parents involved in IPV were recommended in an effort prevents exposure of children to harsh physical disciplining.