Date of Conferral

4-17-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Eric Hickey

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is a significant and widespread social issue with far-reaching personal, societal, and economic consequences. Nonfatal strangulation is an act of violence that is considered a strong predictor of homicide within violent relationships. While research about nonfatal strangulation has improved, there is still limited knowledge about individuals who commit acts of strangulation within violent relationships. This study was an investigation of demographic characteristics of male individuals who commit acts of strangulation within intimate relationships. This research was grounded in the power and control theory, general strain theory, and social learning theory. The research questions for the study examined the demographic factors of relationship status, race, prior acts of violence, prior acts of intimate partner violence, and indigency status for any correlation with the likelihood of committing an act of strangulation. Assault cases from 2018-2023 within a Superior Court system were examined in this correlational, stratified sample study, and 1,715 cases were included in the final analysis. Binomial logistic regression of the dependent variable, an act of strangulation, and independent variables of demographic characteristics revealed that strangulation is less likely in first- and second-degree relative and roommate relationships but more likely in dating relationships. There was no correlation between strangulation and prior acts of violence, a finding that is contrary to most established research linking a history of violence with increased lethality risk. The results of this study contributed to positive social change by demonstrating the need for additional, broad studies in this area.

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