A "fast" life history strategy affects intimate partner violence through the Dark Triad and mate retention behavior

Various intimate partner violence (IPV) risk factors have been identified. The Dark Triad (DT) is considered a proximal risk factor, while life history strategy (LHS) and mate retention behavior (MRB) are ultimate factors. I examined effects of the K-factor as an index of LHS on IPV and its indirect effects through the DT (as a proximal factor) and MRB among Japanese undergraduates (N = 380; M-age = 18.9, SD = 1.21; 212 women). The K-factor negatively affected IPV both directly and indirectly (i.e., fast LHS facilitates IPV directly and indirectly through DT and MRB), but only in women. This research successfully integrated proximal and ultimate factors to elucidate IPV. Limitations and future research suggestions are also discussed.