cycle of violence

a conceptual framework for understanding the persistence of battering relationships. The cycle has three phases: (a) a “honeymoon phase,” in which the batterer treats the partner lovingly; (b) a tension build-up phase, in which the batterer begins to display irritability and anger toward the partner; and (c) the violence phase, in which battering occurs. The phases are then proposed to recycle. As a battering relationship persists over time, the honeymoon phases shorten, and the tension-building and violence phases lengthen. Also called cycle of abuse. [proposed in 1979 by U.S. clinical and forensic psychologist Lenore E. Walker (1942– )]

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Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

principled negotiation

a procedure to resolve the conflict between individuals or groups that strives for a mutually beneficial resolution while acknowledging the value of ongoing relationships. The procedure has four main components: (a) separating interpersonal problems from the more substantive issues between the parties and dealing with each issue individually, (b) focusing on the parties’ real interests rather than on what they initially say they want, (c) developing possible solutions that benefit all parties, and (d) insisting on objective criteria for the parties’ decisions. [first described in 1981 by Roger Fisher (1922–2012) and William L. Ury, U.S. experts on negotiation]