In the context of marital aggression, which stage is typically experienced by a spouse-abusing husband according to the cycle of violence theory?

• A. Tension-building stage
• B. Honeymoon stage
• C. Reconciliation stage
• D. Resolution stage

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the cycle of violence theory, which describes a recurring pattern in abusive relationships, typically involving three stages: tension-building, acute battering incident, and honeymoon (or reconciliation) stage.
2. Identify the characteristics of each stage: the tension-building stage involves increasing stress and strain, where the abuser becomes irritable and the victim feels growing tension; the acute battering incident is the violent episode; and the honeymoon stage is when the abuser may apologize and show remorse.
3. Recognize that the question asks specifically about the stage typically experienced by a spouse-abusing husband, which is the phase where tension and strain build up before the violent incident occurs.
4. Match the description of the tension-building stage to the behavior of the spouse-abusing husband, as this is the phase where anger and frustration escalate, often leading to the subsequent violent episode.
5. Conclude that the correct stage according to the cycle of violence theory for the spouse-abusing husband is the tension-building stage.