Quantitative EEG (QEEG) Analysis of Emotional Interaction between Abusers and Victims in Intimate Partner Violence: A Pilot Study

Background: The perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) and their victims have different emotional states. Abusers typically have problems associated with low self-esteem, low self-awareness, violence, anger, and communication, whereas victims experience mental distress and physical pain. The emotions surrounding IPV for both abuser and victim are key influences on their behavior and their relationship. Methods: The objective of this pilot study was to examine emotional and psychological interactions between IPV abusers and victims using quantified electroencephalogram (QEEG). Two abuser–victim case couples and one non-abusive control couple were recruited from the Mental Image Recovery Program for domestic violence victims in Seoul, South Korea, from 7–30 June 2017. Data collection and analysis were conducted using BrainMaster and NeuroGuide. The emotional pattern characteristics between abuser and victim were examined and compared to those of the non-abusive couple. Results: Emotional states and reaction patterns were different for the non-abusive and IPV couples. Strong delta, theta, and beta waves in the right frontal and left prefrontal lobes were observed in IPV case subjects. This indicated emotional conflict, anger, and a communication block or impaired communication between abuser and victim. Conclusions: Our study findings suggest brainwave control training via neurofeedback could be a possible therapy in managing emotional and communication problems related to IPV.