Genetic-environmental interactions in female-perpetrated intimate partner violence

Background: Research suggests interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors are important contributors to predilection for violence, but little is known about the contribution of these interactions to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. The purpose of these analyses was to examine the relationships between genetic-environmental interactions and physical IPV perpetration in adult females.

Methods: Data from a longitudinal prospective study from adolescence to adulthood with a nationally representative sample were used. Weighted, clustered, multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the direct contribution and interactions of three dopamine genes, adolescent exposure to violence and school social environment to adulthood IPV perpetration. Since there was a systematic difference in frequency of alleles associated with genetic ancestry, all analyses were stratified by race to avoid confounding.

Results: Approximately 9% of females perpetrated physical IPV in the prior year. Nonwhite females had significantly higher odds of perpetration compared with white females. The proportion of participants with DAT1 or DRD4 risk alleles differed significantly across race. Among white females, the interaction between school social environment and genotype significantly predicted IPV perpetration. Among non-white females, the interactions of genotype with exposure to adolescent violence and with school social environment significantly predicted IPV perpetration. 

Conclusions: Specific genotypes do not cause IPV perpetration, and genotype alone does not significantly predict perpetration.  However, the significant interactions suggest certain genotypes may increase the probability of perpetrating IPV through other factors. In the future, interventions may be able to be customized to individuals with specific genetic profiles.