eory (Wade and Tavris, 285-289). It has been proposed that learning be composed of both a modeling component and “reciprocal influence”. The latter suggests that we can shape our futures by influencing our environments. In explaining how social learning theory explains family abuse, psychologist O’Leary (Wekesser and Swisher, 1994, 232) analyzed the effects of modeling on behavior, the role of stress, the use of alcohol, the presence of relationship dissatisfaction, and aggression as a personality style. Modeling involves the observation by the child of physical aggression by the parents or the direct experience of having been physically abused (Websdale, 184-186). In a study of wife abuse and marital rape, it was found that viewing parental violence was equally important in creating a future pattern of abuse as the direct experience of child abuse itself. Modeling, therefore, increases the likelihood that one will use violence in order to handle interpersonal difficulties. Domestic abuse typically follows a “cycle of violence” pattern. There are three phases in the cycle of violence: tension-building, acute battering and the honeymoon Fields 3phase. During the tension-building phase, the batterer becomes increasingly moody, hostile and critical of his partner. Minor battering incidents may occur. During the acute battering phase, the batterer is likely to assault the victim. Major assault of the victim, physically and psychologically, usually distinguishes the acute battering incident from the minor battering incidents that may occur during the tension-building phase. Shortly after the acute battering phase is the honeymoon phase. The batterer may apologize, beg forgiveness, or promise that the violent behavior will never happen again. There are numerous answers to the commonly asked question of why a woman would stay in an abusive relationship. For many women, no other sources of financial support or ho...
