causes of family abuse, one of the most useful has been the social learning theory. Bandura (1977) 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, O’Leary (1988) 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 (cited of Yegidis, 1992).Modeling involves the observation by the child of physical aggression by the parents or the direct experience of having been physically abused. 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 (Yegidis, 1992).Extensive literature exists on the relationship between stress, frustration, and aggression. Stress alone does not cause violence, but it may be a stimulus that serves to arouse some individuals. Overall, abusers generally tend to possess an aggressive personality style. Consequently, people possessing this trait are more likely to get angry than others and may actually get angrier more often than others. Research suggests that there may be two important aspects to the relationship between family abuse and alcohol. Very often, the abusive behavior of the perpetrator is permitted and excused by the victim because the perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol. On the other hand, alcohol use by victims leads to a numbing effect as well as feelings of powerlessness.Domestic abuse typically follows a “cycle of violence” pattern. There are three phases in the cycle of violence: tension-buildin...
