Significance quest; Understanding the psychology of husband's intimate partner violence towards wives

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive social problem, yet research examining the psychological motivations of perpetrators—particularly from their own perspectives—remains limited. This study explores the experiences of husbands who perpetrated violence against their wives through the lens of Significance Quest Theory (SQT), which posits that individuals are motivated to restore personal significance when it is threatened or lost. Using a qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with four men who had been reported for intimate partner violence. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach, with reporting guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). The analysis revealed three interrelated themes: (1) experiences of loss of personal significance within marital and social contexts, (2) adherence to patriarchal gender role ideologies that position husbands as dominant authority figures, and (3) the justification and normalization of violence as a means of restoring control and significance. Participants' narratives indicated that intimate relationships functioned as central sources of personal meaning, and threats to relational authority and respect were perceived as profound challenges to their identity as men and husbands. These findings suggest that intimate partner violence can be understood as a motivated behavior aimed at restoring threatened significance, shaped by ideological narratives that legitimize violence within marital relationships. By applying SQT to the context of intimate partner violence, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological and ideological processes underlying men's violence against their wives and highlights the importance of addressing both motivational needs and socio-cultural narratives in prevention and intervention efforts. • Significance loss motivates husbands' intimate partner violence. • Patriarchal ideology legitimizes violence as relational control. • Intimate relationships function as key sources of personal significance. • Violence is used to restore threatened identity, respect, and authority. • SQT extends beyond extremism to explain violence in intimate relationships.