Who is at risk for intimate partner violence victimization: Using latent class analysis to explore interpersonal polyvictimization and polyperpetration among pregnant young couples

Abstract

The purpose of our study was (a) to use latent class analyses to identify subgroups of interpersonal polyvictimization and polyperpetration among young pregnant couples and (b) examine actor-partner effects of latent classes on current intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Data were collected from 296 pregnant young couples recruited at obstetrics and gynecology clinics. A 3-latent class model emerged for women: Polyvictim-Polyperpetrator, Nonvictim-Nonperpetrator, and Community and Prior IPV Victim. A 4-latent class model emerged for men: Community and Prior IPV Victim, Polyvictim-Nonpartner Perpetrator, Prior IPV and Peer Victim, and Nonvictim-Nonperpetrator. Using the actor-partner independence model, actor effects of the women's Polyvictim-Polyperpetrator class and men's Polyvictim-Nonpartner Perpetrator class related to greater odds of IPV victimization compared to women and men in the Nonvictim-Nonperpetrator classes.