Motives and control in escalatory conflicts in intimate relationships

The aim of this study was to identify and examine the underlying mechanism of the formation, development and termination of interpersonal conflicts in intimate relationships, whereby men use violence against women. The study used qualitative methodology in sampling, data collection and data analysis. It consisted of 50 in-depth qualitative interviews (25 men and 25 women). The findings indicate that the developmental course of the escalatory conflict is regulated by both motivation and control elements. The discussion emphasizes the importance of both research and practice to focus on escalation rather than aggression, and views aggression as its expression.