The mental dynamics of abusive relationships are helpful in understanding the seemingly never-ending cycle of violence, including the onset of the violent behavior and relationship components. Here you will read about a behavior model developed by forensic psychiatrist Gary Maier.
Maier called his behavior model Linear Aggression Sequence. He considers as unfair the pervading assumption that in abusive relationships, women are always the sole victims. Statistical findings back his claim that both men and women are on equal footing, and either gender could actually be the culprit or victim of violence and abuse.
While Maier works to articulate the fact that both the male and female may be subjected to violence and/or mentally punitive actions and behaviors in the romantic relationship that they are a part of, the study of the Linear Aggression Sequence places the male in the relationship as the abuser, the female as the victim, and even incorporates the fact that any children that may be a part of the communion of the partners in the relation may also serve as victims.
The model shows that conflict typically precedes the abuse. In a romantic relationship, both male and female partners initially enjoy the same freedoms of speech and expression, and are entitled to their own opinion and say on various issues. Conflict arises when the more dominant partner begins to encroach upon the rights of the submissive partner and questions any incongruent opinions made.
As the conflict escalates, the person who assumes the role of the abuser will rise to a level of dominance. Many by nature, specifically men, are very competitive in nature. The male that has the disposition of the abuser may assume that the conflict is competitive based, and there should be a winner as well as a loser.
The individual that is demanding the presence of the one that is in control is likely to engage in actions and words that are considered to be inappropriate and demeaning in nature towards the submissive party, which is typically the female. There is an emotional breakdown on the submissive persons end. This is where the person being placed in an abusive position will buckle under pressure and submit to the ranting, ravings, psychological, and physical aggression that their partner is rendering.
Once the conflict has been concluded, and the aggressor reaches a comfort level in the control of the victim, their partner, there is typically a stage in which the abuser will then rationalize the behavior that has occurred. In nearly all instances, the blame for what has occurred will shift to the victim. The victim has been stripped of their self-worth, their integrity, and they accept the fact that they should be punished for one reason or another.
After being assured that they are not responsible for their abusive actions, the abusers begin to act normally. They will even go to lengths to please their victims, exhibiting appealing and charming manners. In nearly all of the relationships that Maier observed, the "charming" episode eventually fades and the violent behavior will be repeated.
Other researchers have looked at various psychiatric dynamics in abusive relationships. Many studies and their findings are not widely accepted because of the myriad of factors that can be considered. Psychiatrists, doctors, and other mental health experts generally agree that the "Linear Aggression Sequence" is commonly found in abusive relationships. - 23802
Maier called his behavior model Linear Aggression Sequence. He considers as unfair the pervading assumption that in abusive relationships, women are always the sole victims. Statistical findings back his claim that both men and women are on equal footing, and either gender could actually be the culprit or victim of violence and abuse.
While Maier works to articulate the fact that both the male and female may be subjected to violence and/or mentally punitive actions and behaviors in the romantic relationship that they are a part of, the study of the Linear Aggression Sequence places the male in the relationship as the abuser, the female as the victim, and even incorporates the fact that any children that may be a part of the communion of the partners in the relation may also serve as victims.
The model shows that conflict typically precedes the abuse. In a romantic relationship, both male and female partners initially enjoy the same freedoms of speech and expression, and are entitled to their own opinion and say on various issues. Conflict arises when the more dominant partner begins to encroach upon the rights of the submissive partner and questions any incongruent opinions made.
As the conflict escalates, the person who assumes the role of the abuser will rise to a level of dominance. Many by nature, specifically men, are very competitive in nature. The male that has the disposition of the abuser may assume that the conflict is competitive based, and there should be a winner as well as a loser.
The individual that is demanding the presence of the one that is in control is likely to engage in actions and words that are considered to be inappropriate and demeaning in nature towards the submissive party, which is typically the female. There is an emotional breakdown on the submissive persons end. This is where the person being placed in an abusive position will buckle under pressure and submit to the ranting, ravings, psychological, and physical aggression that their partner is rendering.
Once the conflict has been concluded, and the aggressor reaches a comfort level in the control of the victim, their partner, there is typically a stage in which the abuser will then rationalize the behavior that has occurred. In nearly all instances, the blame for what has occurred will shift to the victim. The victim has been stripped of their self-worth, their integrity, and they accept the fact that they should be punished for one reason or another.
After being assured that they are not responsible for their abusive actions, the abusers begin to act normally. They will even go to lengths to please their victims, exhibiting appealing and charming manners. In nearly all of the relationships that Maier observed, the "charming" episode eventually fades and the violent behavior will be repeated.
Other researchers have looked at various psychiatric dynamics in abusive relationships. Many studies and their findings are not widely accepted because of the myriad of factors that can be considered. Psychiatrists, doctors, and other mental health experts generally agree that the "Linear Aggression Sequence" is commonly found in abusive relationships. - 23802
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Liz Johnson is a recognized expert on Building Healthy Relationships. If you have found this article useful please visit her blog for more tips, information and practical advice on Building Healthy Relationships
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