KASS Aug 27

Elizabeth is a twenty-eight year old woman, who has a long history of untreated depression and alcohol misuse. According to psychopathology theory, her mental health struggles make her more prone to emotional dysregulation, poor impulse control, and difficulty coping with stress. While Elizabeth is not violent on a daily basis, her psychological vulnerabilities create conditions where violence becomes more likely under strain. Recently, Elizabeth was laid off from her construction job, thus creating significant economic stress for her family. Elizabeth's wife, Sarah, works part-time, but her income is not enough to cover rent and childcare. Financial strain has increased arguments in the household, and Elizabeth often feels a loss of control over her role as a provider. As the stress mounts, Elizabeth increases her alcohol use to cope. One day, after drinking heavily, an argument breaks out between Elizabeth and Sarah over unpaid bills. Sarah threatens to take their child, and Elizabeth, overwhelmed by depression, financial stress, and alcohol intoxication, reacts violently by shoving Sarah. Sarah considers seeking help but feels socially isolated and fears retaliation if she involves the police. Without intervention the family remains trapped in a cycle where stress and untreated mental illness fuel repeated incidents of violence. This scenario helps to illustrate how psychopathology theory explains family violence through individual psychological vulnerabilities. Also, while showing how stressors (financial strain, unemployment, substance use, and social isolation) amplify the risk and severity of violence. 

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