Reported incidents of physical aggression between spouses fifty years or older

Physical aggression between spouses has not been widely researched by nursing and has been limited to case studies or discussions focusing on younger spouses. Nursing interventions have also been targeted towards this younger population. The purpose of this study was to investigate reported incidents of physical aggression between spouses 50 years or older who are now divorced. A beginning framework for nursing intervention was formulated for this population of individuals. Personal interviews were conducted with 111 participants in their homes or place of their choosing. The interviews were audiotape to aid in information gathering and analysis. Content analysis and statistical analysis of the interview responses were conducted. Of the 111 participants, 44 participants had been involved in at least one physical aggressive incident. The mean length of marriage of the participants was 29.7 years. Most participants were Caucasian and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon). Male spouses were the initiators of physically aggressive incidents 50% of the time. Female participants initiated physical aggression incidents in 25% of the instance. Both spouses were responsible for initiating physical aggression 25% of the time. Physical injuries resulting from physical aggression incidents were reported by approximately 50% of the participants. The most common types of physical aggression reported by participants were hitting and pushing. The frequency of physical aggressive incidents ranged form one time only to daily occurrences. The majority of participants utilized some type of resource to copy with physical aggression incidents. Physical or emotional withdrawal was reported by most participants as the primary coping mechanism. Individual therapy was reported by participants as the most common outside resource used. Implications for nursing practice are for nurses to ask the question of whether or not physical aggression has occurred and to become more aware of the signs of physical aggression between spouses. Through careful screening and assessments by nurses, more individuals can benefit by intervention. Nursing education should include teaching student nurses to perform skilled assessments to intervene appropriately with those older individuals who are or have been involved in physical aggressive relationships. Nursing research should be focused on large studies of older individuals who have involved in physical aggressive relationship to increase empirical knowledge of physical aggression between older spouses.